Young Belagavi lad aims to hoist tricolour atop Everest

BELAGAVI: Climbing of Mount Everest with 8,848 meters height from sea level is not an easy task. It’s even tough for South Indians. Although the target is much higher, Belagavi based Akshay Ashok Deshpande, 23 year old youth, who passed his diploma in computer engineering has firmly made-up his mind to hoist tri-colour atop the Everest.
Along with this mission, Akshay want to spread awareness about HIV/ AIDS, especially urging support for the kinds living with this epidemic.Akshay said still there is stigma in society against people living with HIV, more in rural areas, which needs to eradicate. Akshay is putting all his efforts required for reaching Everest top, which can’t be possible without training, preparations, physical and mental fitness. Adjusting the body to low temperature for 60-70 days is big challenge.
To achieve his adventurous aim of reaching top of Everest, Akshay has finished 30 days mountaineering training at Gangotri hills region in Uttar Kashi (lower Himalayas) under Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Besides, he has also completed 45 days rope climbing training at Badami under General Thimmaiah National Adventure and Sports Academy. Since past three years, one or other way, Akshay is engaged in adventure related activities. He was also the part of rescue operations in the Uttarakhand tragedy few months ago.
Besides all, most crucial thing is arranging funds for his task, as going for climbing Everest is very costlier, which required around Rs 30 lakhs.
Mountaineer should avail permission from Nepal or Tibet governments for climbing Everest by paying fees of Rs 6.87 lakhs. Other Rs 1 lakh need to pay a number of other climbing related fees, that includes cost of hiring liaison, officer to join base camp, basic medical support fee, contributing to the cost of installing ropes on the mountain, besides refundable deposit for the removal of trash and human waste. Around Rs 5 lakhs cost is for different equipments and oxygen bottles. It requires around Rs 15 lakh for different services given by local agencies for mountaineers that include assigning Sherpas, insurance, summit bonus, miscellaneous etc.
“I am looking after sponsors, crowd funding and public donations help me on mission”, Akshan said speaking to the TOI. He said his desire of climbing Everest made house in his heart during his participation in rescue operation at Uttarakhand, where he met two mountaineers Arjun Vajpayee and Krishna, who had successfully achieved climbing Everest in younger age. To assist Akshay contact him on- 08867540604.