Summary
Debasish Biswas, the first Indian civilian to climb Mt Kanchenjunga, spoke on ‘A Journey of Nature Lover’ at International Mountain Day talk
Debdas Nandy, mountaineering advisor at the state department of Youth Services and Sports, talked about ‘Conquering Everest’
Science City, Kolkata, celebrated International Mountain Day on December 11 by inviting celebrated mountaineers Debasish Biswas and Debdas Nandy to speak about their experiences.
More than 200 students attached to several NGOs were part of the audience that attended the weekend talk at the science centre’s mini auditorium, where the veterans spoke of not just the mountains but of ecology and conservation as well.
“International Mountain Day is celebrated to raise awareness about climbing mountains and also to invoke an interest among others to know more about mountaineering, the local people, flora and fauna. I feel people should know about the mountain a little at least before starting a trek. This will not only make the journey enjoyable but also ensure your safety and wellness,” said Biswas.
He delivered a talk titled ‘A Journey of Nature Lover’. Biswas is the first civilian from West Bengal to summit Mount Everest and the first Indian civilian to climb Mt Kanchenjunga. Apart from that, he has climbed seven of the 14 mountains in the world that are higher than 8,000 metres. Biswas has won the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, which is considered the Arjuna Award in Adventure Sports, and is the author of several books.
“Not only mountains, I feel we should know about our environment and ecology so that we understand how we can co-exist. In today’s world, it is important that we take care of our surroundings and save the earth’s environment,” added Biswas, who currently works as a deputy commissioner at the Income Tax department.
More than 200 school students attached to various NGOs were present at the event. Source: Science City
Nandy, a Himalayan Mountaineering Institute alumnus, spoke on ‘Conquering Everest’. He is an adviser on mountaineering, in the West Bengal Department of Youth Services and Sports and has received the Radhanath Sikdar & Tenzing Norgay Award.
Addressing the young generation, Nandy said, “Those who love nature and are passionate about mountaineering or trekking should remember that there is no need to challenge the mountains by going against nature. The value of life is much higher, the mountain will remain in its place, and the opportunity to return to it will come again. So, one should go mountaineering or trekking while respecting nature and the mountains without taking unnecessary risks.”
Science City’s senior curator Promod Grover and executive committee member Maitrayee Dasgupta were also present during the event.
Said Grover, “Science City celebrated International Mountain day with school students from various NGOs. Renowned mountaineers Debasish Biswas and Debdas Nandy shared their experiences with the main motive of keeping our mother nature habitable for future generations.”
The students present during the event were from Aswininagar JN Mondal Institution; Pragya Cultural Centre — Tribal village of Kheadaha; South Kolkata Hamari Muskan, an organisation working with children in two red light areas; SOS Children Villages of India; Maya Foundation and NGO Offer (Anandaghar).
Last updated on 13 Dec 2021
