A team of seven mountaineers from Pune reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate India's Independence Day. They were led by Giripremi Adventure Foundation's mountaineer Ankit Sohoni and were accompanied by other team members who reached various altitudes. The team had trained for six months and their feat was celebrated by the IIT Jodhpur who offers a range of scholarships to its students.
Mount Kilimanjaro India Garhshankar: Indian Mountaineers Conquer Africa's Highest Peak
A team of seven intrepid mountaineers from Pune, India, made history on August 15, 2023, by reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Their expedition was particularly poignant as it coincided with India's Independence Day, marking 75 years of freedom.
Background
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is a dormant volcano with three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. The highest cone, Kibo, is topped by the Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
Mountaineering has long been a passion in India, with several renowned climbers achieving notable feats in the Himalayas and beyond. The Giripremi Adventure Foundation, founded by mountaineer Ankit Sohoni, has been instrumental in promoting the sport and supporting Indian climbers.
The Expedition
The team, consisting of Ankit Sohoni, Abhay Kulkarni, Parmeshwar Maley, Parag Shanbhag, Ashwin Salunkhe, Ajay Kadam, and Chetan Ghalsasi, trained meticulously for six months prior to the expedition. They embarked on the Lemosho Route, which is considered one of the most scenic and challenging routes to the summit.
Over the course of five days, the team ascended through rainforests, alpine meadows, and volcanic scree fields. They endured altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and physical exhaustion.
Triumph at the Summit
On the sixth day, the team reached the summit of Uhuru Peak at 6:45 AM. They unfurled the Indian flag and sang the national anthem, celebrating their victory and the spirit of Indian independence.
Significance
The team's feat is a testament to the determination and resilience of Indian mountaineers. It also highlights the importance of celebrating national pride and milestones through adventure and sport. The IIT Jodhpur expressed its admiration by offering scholarships to support the team's future expeditions.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the altitude of Mount Kilimanjaro?
The summit of Uhuru Peak is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
2. What route did the Indian team take to the summit?
The team took the Lemosho Route, which is known for its scenic views and challenging terrain.
3. What were the challenges faced by the team during the expedition?
The team endured altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and physical exhaustion.
4. What is the significance of the team's summit on Independence Day?
The team's achievement coincided with India's 75th Independence Day, representing a triumph of national pride and perseverance.
5. What are the future plans of the Indian mountaineering team?
The team plans to continue their expeditions and support aspiring mountaineers in India. They also aim to promote adventure sports and outdoor education.
In a significant move amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement" to elevate their long-standing security partnership. The agreement includes a clause stating that any aggression against one country will be seen as an attack on the other, aiming to strengthen joint deterrence and further develop defense cooperation. With concerns about regional security on the rise, this agreement allows Saudi Arabia to formalize a partnership with a nuclear-armed state and provides Pakistan with renewed financial and diplomatic backing from a key regional power.
On his 75th birthday, the world's tallest building, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, was illuminated with images of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the words "Happy Birthday" in celebration. The Indian flag's colours - saffron, white, and green - were also displayed on the iconic building to mark the special occasion. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also extended birthday wishes to Modi on social media earlier in the day.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was a special guest at India's 76th Republic-Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. This marked the second time an Indonesian President graced this event, with the first being 75 years ago. Accompanied by a delegation of six cabinet ministers and senior officials, Subianto witnessed a grand military parade and cultural performances, as well as brought a 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia.
Iran's foreign minister has announced that a prisoner swap deal with France is close to being finalized. The agreement would secure the release of Iranian nationals imprisoned in France and allow for the return of French citizens detained in Iran. This development comes as Germany announces its support for a French-led effort to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Qatar's prime minister has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of destroying months of mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire deal and free remaining hostages in Gaza. With the lives of 20 hostages at risk, Qatar had been working with the US and Egypt to broker a deal, but Tuesday's attack on Hamas' leadership in Doha has killed any hope for a resolution. Despite Trump's promises that such an attack will not be repeated, Netanyahu continues to threaten Qatar, accusing them of harboring terrorists and vowing to take action if they don't comply.
In a shocking development, Israel has launched an attack on Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha, resulting in the deaths of six people. The Qatari government has condemned the attack as "state terrorism" and has raised questions about Israel's true intentions in the region. The attack ruptures the delicate ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, where Qatar has been acting as a mediator. This latest incident highlights the increasing involvement of Qatar in the volatile conflicts in the Middle East.
Israel's strikes on Yemen's capital come amidst warnings from their defence minister and public disapproval from Donald Trump following their attack on Doha. As the Middle East watches the tense situation unfold, Qatar struggles to recover from the unprecedented assault on their sovereign territory. A senior Qatari government member expresses anger and concern over the US's delayed warning of the attack, further complicating the already tense relations in the region.
Amid ongoing protests and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country's interim head. The death toll in the protests has risen to 25, with hundreds more injured. As the Nepali Army takes over security responsibilities, flights have resumed at the international airport and authorities are cautioning against the spread of misinformation on social media.
After two days of violent protests, Nepal Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel successfully persuaded former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to become the interim Chief Executive of the country. This comes after the Gen Z protests and other groups reached a consensus with political parties to restore normalcy and form an interim government. The Nepal Army, for the first time, has stepped in to quell the chaos and bring diverse political forces together for dialogue.
Days of deadly protests in Nepal have led to the overthrow of KP Sharma Oli's government and the appointment of Sushila Karki as interim prime minister. Karki, the former chief justice, has expressed positivity towards India and its people, citing personal ties from her time studying in India. She assures the safety of Indians in Nepal and promises justice for those affected by the recent violence. Meanwhile, Nepalese troops are working to restore order and bring the country back to normalcy.