Havildar Sushil Kumar’s mountaineering triumph

Havildar Sushil Kumar, hailing from the tranquil village of Padhei in Kullu district, has brought immense pride to his home by scaling Mount Kanchenjunga, India’s highest and the world’s third-highest peak at 8,586 meters. Son of Chaman Lal Soni, Sushil achieved this milestone as part of an elite expedition organized by the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS).

The expedition, led by acclaimed mountaineer Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, was carried out under the national initiative ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga,’ aimed at hoisting the Indian tricolour atop the highest summits across India and beyond. By conquering Kanchenjunga, Sushil showcased not only his exceptional skill and endurance but also the spirit of patriotism that fuels many Indian mountaineers.

With over 12 years of high-altitude climbing experience and participation in 15 expeditions—many through the Indian Army — Sushil Kumar has become a respected figure in the mountaineering community. His latest triumph is a testament to his discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on his achievement, Sushil shared, “Climbing Kanchenjunga was not just a personal dream but a moment to represent Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, the Army, and the entire country under the tricolour.” His journey from the remote valleys of Himachal Pradesh to the daunting heights of Kanchenjunga is a powerful story of determination and national pride.

The success of this expedition has resonated deeply within the adventure sports community, sparking admiration and inspiring youth in Himachal Pradesh to explore mountaineering. Sushil Kumar’s legacy is set to motivate a new generation to embrace challenge, adventure, and patriotic service through the peaks they climb.

Himachal Tribune