ARUNACHAL PRADESH: GOVERNOR FELICITATES NIMAS TEAM FOR CLIMBING MT. EVEREST

State Governor Brig (Retd) Dr BD Mishra felicitated the Mount Everest conquerors team from the National Institute for Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, West Kameng district, at Raj Bhavan on Sunday. The eight-member expedition team from NIMAS comprising of six Army personnel and two civilians had scaled the highest mountain peak of the world on May 19-20.

The NIMAS team led by its Director Col Sarfraz Singh had reached the summit of Mount Everest in two batches. The successful conquerors are mountaineering instructor Havaldar Sanjay Kumar of 16 Dogra, Naik Ram Singh of 2 Garhwal Rifles, Naik Hem Singh of 12 Dogra, Naik Pravendra Kumar of 12 Garhwal, Lance Naik Gajur Man Rai of 6/11 Gorkha Regiment from Indian Army and the two civilians from Dirang namely Tongchen Nimsonga and Dorjee Khandu. The team was supported by medical officer Captain Abhishek Tripathi of Army Medical Corps, who manned the camp II.

It was informed that Col Sarfraz Singh’s oxygen supply snapped during his climb from camp III to IV. Unmindful of the problem, he did not give up and despite the severe fatigue forcing him to ground in camp IV. He attempted the last leg of climb from camp IV to the summit the following day and conquered the peak on May 20. Congratulating the team, the Governor said that NIMAS has proved its worth far beyond its mandated role as a premier institute of mountaineering and allied sports in the region.

He hoped that it continues the tradition and produces more world-class mountaineers from the armed forces and our State, Arunachal Pradesh.The Governor also conveyed his appreciation to the Institute for encouraging local youth in the sports of mountaineering. He advised the NIMAS Director to scout for more mountaineers from different parts of the State.

The Governor said that conquering Mount Everest by the team is not only a feat of skill but it is an example of courage, adventure, enterprise, sportsmanship spirit and positive ambition for acme achievement. The NIMAS Director briefed the Governor about the expedition, which was flagged off by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on March 21 last. Earlier this year, the Governor along with his better half Neelam Misra had visited NIMAS, Dirang during his tour to West Kameng district.