When he had first announced his wish to climb Mount Everest, there were very few people who believed in the idea, some even laughed it off saying it was just a velleity and a public stunt of a passing whim. But my grandfather was really serious, and as part of his preparations he had climbed the 6,467m Mera Peak and the 6,160m Island Peak, popularly known as the trekkers’ peaks, some months ago.
He had also undergone a training regimen in order to prepare himself for the daunting task of scaling Everest. A challenge even for those in the prime of their lives and in peak physical condition!
In attempting this climb, my grandfather definitely went out with a bang, doing something he firmly believed in and was impassioned about doing.
I cannot say enough, how great a man he was and how proud I am to be his grandson. His lifelong ambition has been toward helping the young and old alike, and to be a role model for all.
Granddad was a well-known politician, serving as Nepal’s ambassador to the United Nations from 1972 to 1978 and later became Nepal´s minister for foreign affairs from 1986 to 1990. He was born in Karnowl in India. He joined the Indian National Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 at the start of his political career.
In these days when young people do not have exemplary people to look at, I can safely say that I had one. I still remember his famous quote: "Either I will successfully climb Mount Everest or bury myself in the ice of Himalayas during my mission."
I am certain Nepal has lost one of its bravest souls and most profound contributors. We will mourn this loss for ages to come, and I know that for me and my family this tragedy leaves a void in our lives that will not be mended soon.
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