NIMAS Mountaineers Embark on Historic Expedition to Hoist National Flag on Highest Peaks of Each Indian State

2024-04-24 04:51:35 News & Society

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New Delhi, May 27, 2023 - A team of mountaineers from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, has embarked on an extraordinary expedition called Har Shikhar Tiranga (HST). This groundbreaking mission aims to hoist the Indian national flag on the highest point of every state in India for the first time in history.

On Monday, the team successfully summited Mt Purgyal (6,816 m) in Himachal Pradesh, achieving a remarkable feat considering the challenging terrain and the unusual timing of the climb. Typically ascended in July or August when snow is less prevalent, the team braved technical difficulties, including snow, rocks, and undulating rock features. The expedition required them to carry their own equipment and pitch an additional camp due to excessive snowfall. Despite these obstacles, the team persevered, taking a total of 12 days from the base camp to the summit and back.
The Har Shikhar Tiranga expedition was flagged off by Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, at NIMAS, Dirang. "It is a matter of great pride that such a rare and ambitious mission has originated from Arunachal Pradesh," said Chief Minister Khandu, emphasizing the significance of this endeavor.

Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, Director of NIMAS and the visionary behind Har Shikhar Tiranga, is a seasoned mountaineer with over 52 successful expeditions under his belt. He is the only Indian to have summited Mount Everest three times and conquered the Seven Summits, reaching the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.

Har Shikhar Tiranga is part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a campaign commemorating India's 75th year of independence and its G20 presidentship. The mission aims to carry the tricolor flag to all states of the country and hoist it on their respective summits.
The journey began with the successful summit of Mt Gorichin (6,488 m) in Arunachal Pradesh, followed by reaching the highest points of the seven Northeastern states by December. This initial achievement served as a test to gauge the team's determination before proceeding with the ambitious expedition. The climax of the expedition is anticipated to be the summit of Mt Jongsong (7,462 m) in Sikkim, a technically challenging and rarely climbed peak, with only three recorded summits.
The official completion of the expedition is scheduled for October 15, allowing for contingencies related to terrain, weather, and other unpredictable scenarios.

Colonel Jamwal shared his vision for the expedition, stating, "This campaign has a broader objective of instilling pride among the people of each state in these significant landmarks. It aims to generate interest among the youth to visit these points at least once, thereby stimulating tourism potential."
Expressing his passion for the mission, Colonel Jamwal said, "Hoisting the Indian flag on the highest points of our nation was a dream. It took us over three months to plan this campaign. It is a movement for my motherland, an endeavor to achieve something unprecedented." He added, "Har Shikhar Tiranga intends to promote inclusivity, foster the spirit of adventure, and capture the breathtaking landscapes, unique cultures, and unspoiled remote areas across our states."
The expedition includes a diverse range of peaks, from the lowest in terms of elevation, Someshwar Fort in Bihar (approximately 800 m), expected to be reached in August, to the highest peak under Indian control, Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) in Sikkim, which is currently closed for climbs. The team will summit Mt Kamet (7,756 m) in June, the highest climbable mountain in India.
Among other notable peaks are Anamudi in Kerala, Doddabetta in Tamil Nadu, Mt. Kalsubai in Maharashtra, Mt. Reo Purgyil in Himachal Pradesh, and Guru Shikhar in Rajasthan. Colonel Jamwal highlighted, "Nun Peak on the border of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is the only peak that spans both Union Territories."
NIMAS, renowned for providing comprehensive training in land, air, and water activities, enables civilians to experience challenges across various outdoor terrains and pursue careers in adventure sports.

Conclusion :

The Har Shikhar Tiranga expedition undertaken by the mountaineers from NIMAS is a historic endeavor aiming to hoist the Indian national flag on the highest point of every state in India. Led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, this extraordinary mission not only showcases the team's determination and skills but also promotes inclusivity, adventure, and the diverse landscapes and cultures across the nation. As the expedition continues, it captures the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating India's 75th year of independence and its G20 presidentship. The team's unwavering efforts and courage inspire awe and pride, marking a significant milestone in the history of Indian mountaineering.