Uday Kumar, a 35-year-old amputee with a 91% physical disability, has scaled the formidable heights of Mount Rhenock, nestled in the scenic Kanchenjunga National Park of West Sikkim.
Undertaking the arduous ascent under the banner of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling, Kumar's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Led by Group Captain Jai Kishan, Principal of HMI, the expedition exemplifies the ethos of inclusivity championed by India's "Mera Yuva Bharat" and "Divyangjan" initiatives.
From March 5th to March 18th, 2024, Kumar faced daunting challenges as he navigated treacherous terrain and inclement weather conditions.
Despite the rugged landscape and physical obstacles, he remained undeterred, inching closer to his goal with unwavering determination.
A historic moment
The culmination of Kumar's expedition marked a historic milestone, as he became the first amputee to hoist the largest Indian flag atop Mount Rhenock, spanning an impressive 780 square feet.
This extraordinary achievement not only secured his place in mountaineering history but also established a new world record for the largest national flag display by a physically disabled individual.
"When I am not training myself, I work hard to gather funds, ensuring that I can save some more to provide for my family's sustenance during my absence," Kumar said.
Kumar's journey was fraught with challenges, from navigating rocky slopes to braving harsh weather conditions.
Trekking nearly 100 kilometres through with boulders, moraines, loose rocks, snow, and hard ice, Kumar faced the harsh realities of nature head-on.
"As long as I live, I will continue to take part in adventure sports. If my story can inspire a youth, that will be my achievement," he said.
"In the coming days, I wish to climb Mount Everest. In my life, I faced a near-death situation. But I am still living. This means there is still some work left for me," Kumar added.
The pinnacle of Kumar's journey lay in conquering the daunting 75-degree angle peak of Mount Rhenock.
With sheer determination and unyielding resolve, he overcame the formidable obstacle, symbolising his triumph over adversity.
"Any climb is challenging especially when one does not have a leg. There are examples of people with disabilities climbing mountains. Such efforts definitely call for applause," said Everest summiteer Debashish Biswas.
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