VOL. 27, NO. 21, February 01, 2007 (Magh 18 2064 B.S.)

From the first climber late Sir Edmund Hillary to present ones, the book provides a broad picture of Everest and its mountaineers

By A CORRESPONDENT

After the first climb of the roof of the world by late Sir Edmund Hillary to present ones, hundreds of mountaineers have already set their feet atop the Mount Everest but the contributions made by late Hillary to uphold the cause of Mt. Everest and people living around the mountain are unparalleled.

On 29 May 1953 – Mt. Everest was finally scaled when late Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa stood on the summit; this marked the culmination of decades of reconnaissance and climbing attempts. As many people aspired to climb the Mt. Everest, it was certain that the world of mountaineering would never be the same again.

“It was not only mountaineering that was transformed by the events of that day. The Sherpa people and their Himalayan heart-land of Solukhumbu in Nepal became the focus of global attention. Their world would never be the same again either."

With climbing expeditions and trekkers following into the Everest region, changes were inevitable- both positive and negative. “It is largely thanks to the vision and devotion of one man, Sir Edmund Hillary, that so many positive transformations have been possible in health and education, environment and conservation,” writes author duo.

Although it was published in 2002 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the triumph of Mount Everest, it is very interesting to read this book at this moment to understand the contribution made by late Edmund Hillary.

“The Himalayan Trust Advisory Committee takes pride in presenting this volume, a tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary from the Sherpa people of Nepal,” write the authors.

This book is a compilation of various articles written by mountaineers and people with experiences in the travel and mountain writing.

There are experiences of various climbers from late Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa to those  who have worked in different areas in Khumbu region. After reading this book one can easily understand what transformations have taken place in the area.

From one of the most backward and remote areas of Nepal, Khumbu region is now one of the highly upward areas with close contacts with the capital. Khumbu area has seen a drastic change in the last fifty three years getting recognition from the world over.

From schools to health facilities and from airport to hydropower, people living in Khumbu region have everything nearby their home.

Along with the pride and personal recollections of Sherpas, the book also includes the articles written by various authors regarding the development and environmental challenges faced by the region.