India team conquers Mt Kilimanjaro
KILIMANJARO: IN RUN-UP to India 78th Independence Day, the Divyangjan expedition team of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has unfurled 724 sq metres with Indian national flag atop Uhuru Summit of Kilimanjaro, promoting the good relationship that exist between Tanzania and India.
The team of differently-abled mountaineers began their expedition from Kanchenjunga National Park on August 4th this year.
The team led by Group Captain Jai Kishan, including Divyang Uday Kumar and others undertook the Mission Kanchanjanga National Park to Mt Kilimanjaro (Mission K2K) to script another historic achievement, as for the first time an amputee climber successfully completed the endeavor using crutches.
Speaking to the Daily News yesterday in Dar es Salaam, the group Captain Jain Kishan said the historic expedition serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance and support.
“The aim is to inspire future generations of Divyangjan and other underprivileged youth around the world to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem,” Captain Kishan said.
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He added that the goal of conquering Kilimanjaro is a feat that symbolises not just the heights of physical endurance, but also the strength of the human spirit.
He said the expedition is an historic achievement, particularly highlighting the courage and determination of Mr Uday Kumar, an amputee climber who successfully completed the endeavour using crutches, a first in the history of mountaineering.
He explained that upon reaching Kibo Hut, located at an altitude of 15,500 feet, on August 7, the team proudly displayed a massive 724 sq metres Indian national flag, saying that the monumental task was accomplished using ropes, ground nets and anchors, marking a significant moment of pride and patriotism.
Captain Kishan said after a grueling 10-hour climb through treacherous terrain, including loose scree, an 85-degree gradient and an alpine desert, the team achieved their goal.
‘At 1300 hours, they reached the summit of Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) and once again displayed the 7,800 sq ft Indian national flag atop Kilimanjaro,” he said.
