Tibetans call it as “Chomolangma”, meaning the ‘Goddess Mother of Snows’, and Nepalese as “Sagar Matha”, meaning the ‘Mother of Universe’. But it was after George Everest, the world’s largest mountain got its name, The Mount Everest. Edmund Hilary and Tensing Norgay had successfully climbed it with right opportunity and expertise but not many have got the pluck to climb this enormous mountain. Duke Ninan from Kochi is one of the few to have been qualified with such an envying opportunity. Of the 14-member team, he is one among the seven shortlisted for the final summit.
Taming the Everest in his twilight years is a dream-come-true for Duke. Adventure runs in the blood of this passionate bike rider, who after two motorcycle ride across the country, is now set to conquer the mountain.
Awed by the majestic height of the Everest and enthralled by its grandeur, Duke wanted to climb it ever since his rendezvous with the mountains in 2012.
At fifty eight, this mountaineer deems it his destiny to be a part of this seven member team to climb the mighty Everest. “It was a divine blessing to be a chosen for the final Summit,” says an ecstatic Duke. Having got the clearance from the Nepalese Government on his performance, which is a prerequisite condition of having climbed any peak of 6,000 metres altitude, Duke is all geared up for his final summit to happen in next autumn or spring. Duke on accomplishing his task will become one of the oldest Indians and the first Malayali to conquer the mountains at the age of fifty eight.
It was his sheer zeal, strict regimen and perseverance that helped him cross the target of 6000 meters and climb an extra 100 meters more, that too without oxygen. He was appointed with a guide, Dendup Lam Sherpa, by the Nepalese Government for his test with heights at ‘Chulu West Peak’. “It is a privilege to have him as my guide with 19 expeditions to his credits,” added Duke. Duke believes that along with his inner strength and stamina, it was also the expertise of his guide that landed him in the rightful place for the final summit. “I am grateful to the people of Kerala, particularly the Kochites, who have been fervently praying for my success,” thanked Duke.