Ranchi, Sept 7: Visually impaired mountaineer Shekhar from West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand has achieved a remarkable feat by scaling the Jojongo peak in Ladakh, located at an altitude of more than 20,000 feet, and unfurling the Tricolour at the summit.
His fellow visually impaired mountaineer Dheeraj, who was part of the expedition, reached the base camp at an altitude of 16,732 feet but had to stop due to health complications.
The expedition began on August 25 and concluded on August 31. During the challenging journey, the two mountaineers faced extremely cold conditions, low oxygen levels and difficult, rugged terrain.
As the expedition progressed, Dheeraj’s health deteriorated, forcing him to remain at the 16,732-foot base camp. Shekhar, however, continued the ascent and successfully reached the summit of Jojongo peak.
The achievement is being seen as a significant example of determination, inclusion and the importance of providing opportunities to persons with disabilities.
For Shekhar and Dheeraj, the expedition was not merely about reaching a mountain summit. Their journey reflects years of efforts towards independence, including learning Braille, travelling independently, using technology, developing sporting skills and taking on leadership and training responsibilities.
Their journey from a remote village in Jharkhand to the high-altitude mountains of Ladakh also highlights the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and the possibilities that can emerge when access, training and opportunities are made available.
The expedition was associated with Sabal, an organisation working towards the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Its initiatives include training, awareness, access to government schemes and rights, and capacity building.
Shekhar’s successful ascent and Dheeraj’s determined journey to the high-altitude base camp underline that disability need not define a person’s limits when determination is backed by training, opportunity and an inclusive support system.
