Defence Secretary Announces Mountaineering Expeditions to Mt Everest
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh recently celebrated the successful completion of mountaineering expeditions to Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro during a flag-in ceremony held at South Block, New Delhi, on July 17, 2025. The Everest expedition marked the 60th anniversary of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, and was conducted in partnership with the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) from Darjeeling and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS) from Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Notably, the Kilimanjaro expedition included a team member, Shri Uday Kumar, who has a 91% above-knee amputation, showcasing the spirit of inclusivity in adventure sports.
Celebrating Mountaineering Excellence
In his address at the event, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh praised the remarkable spirit and determination exhibited by both expedition teams. He emphasized that these missions transcended mere peak summits; they represented India’s prowess in mountaineering and leadership in adventure sports. By conquering Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro, the teams have set inspiring benchmarks for aspiring mountaineers both in India and globally. Singh highlighted that these achievements serve as a source of motivation for the youth, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in adventure sports.
Singh also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of youth empowerment and self-reliance, noting that adventure plays a crucial role in building a resilient and fearless nation. He described the four mountaineering institutes under the Ministry of Defence—HMI, NIM, JIM&WS, and the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS)—as exemplary institutions that embody this vision.
Mount Everest Expedition Details
The Mount Everest expedition was led by Col Anshuman Bhadauria, the Principal of NIM. The team included Col Hem Chandra Singh as the Deputy Leader, along with instructors from the three collaborating institutes: Shri Rakesh Singh Rana, Sub Bahadur Pahan, Hav Rajendra Mukhiya, Nk Thupstan Tsewang, and Shri Pasang Tenzing Sherpa. The team successfully summited Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, on May 23, 2025, after navigating through the challenging Khumbu Valley.
This expedition was designed not only to achieve the summit but also to provide invaluable experience to the instructors, enabling them to inspire and train future generations of mountaineers. The successful ascent is a testament to the rigorous training and preparation undertaken by the team.
Achievements on Mount Kilimanjaro
The expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro was led by Gp Capt Jai Kishan, the Principal of HMI, Darjeeling. The team comprised Captain Shruti, Sub Mahendra Kumar Yadav, Shri Pawel Sharma, and Miss Sulaxchana Tamang. On August 8, 2024, the team made headlines by setting a world record for displaying the largest national flag atop Mount Kilimanjaro.
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