Prayagraj ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ is being celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the nation. Armed Forces Personnel are dedicating inspiring efforts in individual capacity as well. Wing Commander Vikrant Uniyal of Indian Air Force, posted at Central Air Command, Prayagraj has raised the bar by scaling Mt Everest in this festive year. He has dedicated his feat as a tribute to all the unsung heroes and movements which contributed to India’s freedom struggle.
The Everest Expedition itself is an unparalleled journey of both legendary and epic proportions. As an ode to the sacrifices made it was befitting to honor them by reciting the National Anthem at the Summit of Mt. Everest. The arduous expedition started from Kathmandu, Nepal on 15 Apr 22, with team members from across the globe.
Wg Cdr Vikrant Uniyal is a qualified mountaineer who is trained from Nehru Institute Of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi, Army Mountaineering Institute, SIACHEN, and National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Arunachal Pradesh. Despite the inhumane environment, the arduous expedition was completed successfully. Mercury count was between -10 to -20 centigrade during daytime, and dropped further during night time. This expedition required patience, stamina, mental fortitude and a strong will. The team faced challenges of acclimatization besides the difficulty of terrain. Apart from deadly Khumbu icefall where the ice structure changed continuously, the death zone was the biggest challenge (above 25000 ft). Here the body could no longer acclimatize to the altitude and the lungs couldn’t get enough oxygen. The environment was hostile for existence. To generate interest in the climb, the officer designed a commemorative e-postcard for his seniors, friends, loved ones and posted them online, in the network area while setting course. Because of wintry condition, Camp IV on the South Col was established only on 20 May 22. The summit day with infinite steps was exciting and tiring. The officer was determined to hoist the National flag on the summit of Mt. Everest on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotasav and share the proud feeling. Not only did he hoist the Indian Flag on the Summit of Mt. Everest on 21 May 22, but he also felt extremely proud as being the only Indian to Sing the National Anthem on the Summit Of Mt. Everest on this momentous occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. It is a mark of patriotism, instilling the feeling of Nationalism to highlight the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle.
