Get.Set.Climb

Indian Mountaineering field saw the very first steps of a female mountaineer almost 50 years back. They were the footprints of DEEPALI SINHA, the most daring women of India. In 1967, she was first person to organise a first ever all ladies expedition to Ronti in Garhwal Himalayas.

During her second year graduation in Shri Sikshatam College she was there came a announcement of basic Mountaineering course for 32 days in Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. She was instantly excited without having any knowledge about the course. Initially she was rejected because of her low weight. But she proved herself by clearing all the tests in Darjeeling. Ultimately, she was selected for the course in 1964.

Deepali says her father Dr Debendra Chandra Sinha, who was a medical practitioner by profession was her greatest motivation. He had been always supportive for sports and was a revolutionary mind. Despite a big opposition and criticism from the society for allowing his daughter to venture into adventure sports, he always stood by her. He believed that women should go ahead only then the society will develop. Deepali too never stopped herself from doing what she loves because of the negatives around her.

She founded the first Indian all-women’s mountaineering club, called ‘Pathikrit’ in 1967 after the course. Then came a time where the government was not ready to give permit to the all ladies expedition to Nanda Ghunti in 1967. Deepali did not lose here. With the support of Sri Prafulla Chandra Sen, ex-Chief Minister of West Bengal, she went to meet Mrs Indira Gandhi and convinced her about their ability. Of course the Prime minister agreed and have a green signal. Only the condition was to change the peak to Ronti (19,893 feet) in Garhwal Himalayas.

Some of legends of Mountaineering were her acquaintances. Apparently, Tenzing Norgay was her neighbour, who would guide her. She has also been trained by Nawang Gombu, who for a long time held the record of being the only man to have climbed Everest twice. Other heroes like Edmund Hillary, Peter Hillary, Chris Bonington, Doug Scott, Raymond Lambert, Maurice Herzog, Norman Dyhrenfurth and Captain M.S. Kohli, all would appreciate her.
(We found a picture of her with Sir Chris Bonington)

Later, she went to complete her law studies and built a successful career. She is extremely happy that many women are coming into this field. She encourages more ladies to come out and live thier dreams

Credits: images from homegrown.com, facebook

A proud moment for Maharashtra, especially Pune. HARSHAD RAO who just became the first Maharashtrian to summit Kanchenjunga, is back to his home town Pune. His family and close friends welcomed him with great honour on 30th May at 6:30pm.

Harshad has climbed Everest in May, 2016. He is on his way to summit all the 14 Eight-thousanders.

A grand felicitation event for Harshad will be held on 1st June, at his residence. He will share his Kanchenjunga dairies. All those who are interested please grace the function.
Time: 6.30 pm
Venue:
361 Mandar banglow
Uday Society, Sahakarnagar no 1, Pune - 411009, near Daate bus