India Flags-in Mount Everest & Kilimanjaro Expeditions
On July 17, 2025, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh flagged off two prestigious mountaineering expeditions to Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro, showcasing India’s mountaineering excellence and adventure leadership across land, sea, and air. The Everest mission marked the 60th anniversary of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, while the Kilimanjaro team featured Divyangjan climber Uday Kumar.
The two expeditions, which aimed to promote adventure tourism and mountaineering in India, were flagged off by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in a ceremony held at the Defence Ministry in New Delhi. The Defence Secretary, accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, and other Mountaineering Associations, wished the teams luck and hailed the expeditions as a symbol of India’s mountaineering prowess.
The Mount Everest expedition, led by Captain Anoop Kumar, a veteran mountaineer and instructor at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, aimed to conquer the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas. The team of eight mountaineers, including three instructors from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, embarked on a challenging journey to reach the summit of Mount Everest, braving harsh weather conditions, steep terrain, and thin air.
Meanwhile, the Kilimanjaro expedition, led by mountaineer and explorer, Ajay Jain, aimed to conquer the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania. The team of six mountaineers, including Divyangjan climber Uday Kumar, who has lost his vision due to a road accident, embarked on a thrilling journey to reach the summit of the mountain, overcoming physical and mental challenges.
The two expeditions are not only a testament to India’s mountaineering excellence but also demonstrate the country’s commitment to promoting adventure tourism and encouraging people with disabilities to take part in mountaineering and other adventure activities.
The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, which was established in 1965, has been instrumental in promoting mountaineering and adventure tourism in India. The Institute, with its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors, has trained thousands of mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts over the years, including many international climbers.
The Institute’s 60th anniversary celebrations, marked by the Mount Everest expedition, are a significant milestone in the history of mountaineering in India. The celebrations, which will continue throughout the year, will include various events, seminars, and exhibitions, showcasing India’s mountaineering achievements and highlighting the Institute’s contributions to the field.
The Kilimanjaro expedition, featuring Divyangjan climber Uday Kumar, is a significant achievement in itself, as it demonstrates India’s commitment to promoting inclusion and accessibility in mountaineering and adventure tourism. Uday Kumar’s determination and spirit have inspired many, and his success will pave the way for others with disabilities to take part in mountaineering and adventure activities.
The two expeditions have also generated significant interest and excitement among adventure enthusiasts and mountaineers across the world. The expeditions have been featured in various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and online platforms, highlighting India’s mountaineering excellence and adventure leadership.
In conclusion, the India flags-in Mount Everest & Kilimanjaro expeditions are a significant achievement for the country’s mountaineering community and a testament to India’s adventure leadership across land, sea, and air. The expeditions have showcased India’s mountaineering excellence, promoted adventure tourism, and inspired people with disabilities to take part in mountaineering and adventure activities. The Defence Secretary’s flagging off of the expeditions has sent a strong message about India’s commitment to promoting mountaineering and adventure tourism, and we can expect many more exciting expeditions and adventures from India in the years to come.
Source: https://www.refersms.com/mount-everest-kilimanjaro-expeditions/
