Ellenabad mountaineer Chand Mahi on mission to scale Mt Everest without oxygen
Anil Kakkar
Sirsa, July 29
Chand Mahi, a mountaineer from Ellenabad town in Haryana’s Sirsa district, has scaled milestones that several others only aspire to reach, making him an inspiration for those in the field of mountaineering and adventure sports.
Mahi (32), also famous as Hukam Chand, has climbed nine peaks in India, besides Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mount Elbrus in Europe, without supplemental oxygen. His mission now is to conquer Mount Everest without oxygen and etch his name in the annals of global mountaineering.
One among six siblings, Mahi pursued his passion despite financial challenges. Having studied till Class XII, he says he developed an interest in mountaineering the day he first learnt about the sport.
Determined to realise dream
All the mountains I have climbed so far were done without oxygen. I am determined to prove my mettle on the world’s highest peak (Mt Everest) too, the risks involved notwithstanding. With perseverance, even the loftiest dreams can be realised.
Though he received some support and encouragement from social workers, the journey ahead remains arduous due to the lack of financial backing, he rues. His numerous representations to the government authorities failed to bear the desired results. “I appealed to the government and administrative bodies several times for financial support. But all I received were false assurances. I even approached MPs, MLAs and even the Chief Minister, but to no avail,” rues Mahi.
Undeterred, Mahi continues to focus on his goal to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. “All the mountains I have climbed so far were done without oxygen. I am determined to prove my mettle on the world’s highest peak too, the risks involved notwithstanding,” he maintains.
Passion and unwavering determination would see him through, ultimately proving that with perseverance, even the loftiest dreams can be realised, the mountaineer believes.
