A new high, always

Gaurav Kanthwal

Bachendri Pal may have been conferred the Padma Bhushan award this year, but she became an icon 34 years ago when she scaled the Mount Everest — the first Indian woman to do so. And when she did that in May 1984, Mount Everest was not just the highest peak on earth, it was revered as the ultimate triumph of human will.

Hailing from the remote village of Nakuri in Uttarakhand, Bachendri had completed her graduation, done BEd, but was still jobless. For a year, she stitched clothes to help her modest family, but was then cajoled into “higher studies”. The then head of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi, Col Prem Chand goaded her to pursue a course in mountaineering. “As the course was free and the institute was nearby, I joined in the hope of getting a job,” she says.

Recalling those days, the 64-year-old mountaineer says, “When I would go for training to the nearby hills, people would say pahaad chadne se kya hoga.” To avoid their barbs, she would come back with firewood and stones for construction work. Her climbs were to soon turn even more meaningful and inspiring.

What does the Padma Bhushan mean to you?

I think it is a recognition of the work I did after I first scaled the Mount Everest in 1984. It is also a validation that I have been working in the right direction. To be recognised by my people is, of course, a great honour for me. I did not apply for it or for that matter any other award. (She was bestowed the Arjuna Award in 1986)

Currently, what keeps you busy?

I am working as director of the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation in Jamshedpur. My work involves cultivating leadership qualities and skill building through adventure. We train corporate people in team-building and empower rural people and tribal girls with risk-taking abilities. Our aim is to boost people’s confidence. Mountaineering is our way of doing that.

Did you ever consider scaling the Everest again?

I did lead the Indo-Nepalese Women’s Mount Everest Expedition in 1993. Eighteen people, including seven women, had made it to the summit then. I felt the same satisfaction as I had felt on scaling the peak for the first time. I have done it 18 times in total. Three girls from my village Nakuri in Uttarkashi, Garhwal, are Everesters. I feel proud of their success. I consider it as my own success. Sirf jhanda gaadna ya personal glory was not my motive even when I did for the first time.

Many make a beeline for Mount Everest every year, prompting ecological concerns. As a mountaineer, how do you see it?

I was one of the earliest persons to climb the peak. How can I say no to others? However, I feel it is important to maintain the sanctity of a place. Not just Mount Everest, every place — your home, your school, the place you go on a picnic to for that matter. We should understand our responsibilities. 

Many youngsters want to scale Mount Everest to secure government jobs. What is your view on it?

There is no harm in climbing Mount Everest as such. But to do it with a greed in mind or to purposively make a record and then seek a job is not graceful according to me. Why do you climb a mountain? Because you love nature, challenge yourself and want to learn and improve yourself. But, yes, the government should make some criteria; it will help a lot.