India Flags-in Mount Everest & Kilimanjaro Expeditions
On July 17, 2025, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh flagged off two mountaineering expeditions to Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro, marking significant milestones in India’s mountaineering journey. The expeditions showcased India’s mountaineering excellence and adventure leadership across land, sea, and air.
The Everest mission was a historic one, as it marked the 60th anniversary of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM). Established in 1965, NIM has been at the forefront of promoting mountaineering in India and has produced some of the country’s most accomplished climbers. The Kilimanjaro team, on the other hand, featured Uday Kumar, a Divyangjan (person with a disability) climber, who has become an inspiration to many with his determination and courage.
The Everest Expedition
The Mount Everest expedition was a testament to India’s mountaineering prowess, with a team of experienced climbers and support staff setting out to conquer the world’s highest peak. The team was led by experienced mountaineer and NIM alumnus, Captain Manoj Pandey, who has previously scaled several high-altitude peaks, including Mount Everest itself.
The expedition was a challenging one, with the team having to navigate through treacherous terrain, harsh weather conditions, and logistical hurdles. However, the team’s dedication and teamwork paid off, as they successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest on July 20, 2025.
The achievement was a significant one for India, as it marked the country’s 60th anniversary of mountaineering in the Himalayas. The expedition was also a tribute to the vision of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who was a strong advocate of mountaineering and adventure sports.
The Kilimanjaro Expedition
The Kilimanjaro expedition, on the other hand, was a historic one, as it featured Uday Kumar, a Divyangjan climber, who has overcome numerous challenges to achieve his mountaineering goals. Uday, who was born with a physical disability, has been climbing since his teenage years and has already scaled several high-altitude peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
The Kilimanjaro expedition was a challenging one, as the team had to navigate through dense rainforests, steep inclines, and harsh weather conditions. However, Uday’s determination and teamwork with his fellow climbers paid off, as they successfully reached the summit of Kilimanjaro on July 22, 2025.
Uday’s achievement is a testament to his courage and resilience, and he has become an inspiration to many with his mountaineering exploits. His participation in the Kilimanjaro expedition has also raised awareness about the capabilities of people with disabilities and the need for greater inclusivity in adventure sports.
Conclusion
The Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro expeditions have showcased India’s mountaineering excellence and adventure leadership across land, sea, and air. The expeditions have also highlighted the country’s commitment to promoting mountaineering and adventure sports, as well as the capabilities of people with disabilities.
As India’s mountaineering community continues to grow and evolve, it is heartening to see the country’s mountaineers push the boundaries of human achievement and explore new frontiers. The Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro expeditions are a testament to India’s mountaineering spirit and its ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
News Source:
https://www.refersms.com/mount-everest-kilimanjaro-expeditions/
