| INDIAN NAVY MAKES HISTORY TODAY |
| New Delhi: 18 May, 2004 |
| It is one of those moments in history that will make the country look up and take note of the sheer spirit and indomitable will of those who serve in the Indian Navy. A team of young officers and sailors from the Indian Navy set a new record by summitting Mt. Everest using the North face route, making it the First Navy in the World to achieve this feat. The Indian Navy is also the first from the Indian Armed Forces to successfully summit from the North face route via Tibet, which is considered much more difficult than the South Col route via Nepal. This was the Navy's maiden expedition to Mt. Everest and it has successfully climbed to the top of the world. This exceptional feat was achieved today when Surgeon Lieutenant Viking Bhanoo, a navy doctor plunged into the summit top the ice axe with the Indian tri-colour and the Indian Navy's flag. He was assisted in his efforts by Leading Medical Assistants Rakesh Kumar and Vikas Kumar supported by three sherpas. It was indeed, a proud moment for all Indians.
This remarkable success is expected to be followed by a second summit attempt tomorrow, by another three Naval personnel and three sherpas. This group comprises of the Expedition leader Commander. Satyabrata Dam, Lieutenant Commander A Kankan and Lieutenant Lijo Stephen Chacko. If successful, yet another first would adorn the Navy's list of achievements - Cdr. Satyabrata Dam would become the First Submariner-Mountaineer in the world to have achieved this feat. With this accomplishment, the Indian navy's mountaineer would add a new chapter in the world of mountaineering and will set standards for others to follow. Preparations for the expedition that was flagged off by the Honorable Defence Minister, Shri George Fernandes, on March 08, 2004, were progressing over the last two years. The Indian Navy Adventure Cell witnessed increased activity with the selection of the team being done after rigorous rounds of physical and mental fitness. Having made it to the final team, they underwent demanding fitness programs, and as part of their training, they also undertook successful expeditions to Mt. Suithilla, Mt. Saser Kangri, Mt. Kamet and Mt. Abhi Gamin. Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Madhvendra Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff said, "The Indian Navy has reestablished its credentials in the mountaineering world after a gap of 43 years. The spirit of adventure has always been pre-dominant among sea farers and it is this spirit that has taken the Indian Navy mountaineers, which include seven submariners, from the deep blue seas to the top of the world - Sagar ki gehrai se sagar mata tak. I am confident that the Navy will continue to carry the Indian tri colour and the Navy flag to greater glory." "It was an extremely exhilarating moment to set foot at the summit of the highest piece of land on Earth. The two years of sweat and toil have paid off as we have established a number of 'firsts'. Despite the freezing temperatures, our hearts have been filled with the warm glow of satisfaction of achieving our objectives. All of us are looking forward to further expeditions." remarked Surgeon Lieutenant Viking Bhanoo after having reached the top. With this accomplishment, the Navy has proved its mastery not only of the high seas but also the highest peaks… |