After creating a record for scaling Mt Kilimanjaro (by carrying an 18-metre-long tricolour), young mountaineering sensation Amgoth Tukaram is all geared up to face his most challenging expedition yet conquering Mt Everest. His motivation? To create awareness about the environment.
“I wanted to scale the seven summits. After Kilimanjaro, I now want to climb Mt Everest. I want to convey a message about the significance of the five elements (earth, water, air, fire and sky) of nature and how to protect the environment for better living,” he reveals, as he adds, “Self-belief coupled with determination can make anything possible for us. My own role model is Abdul Kalam sir, from whom I draw my inspiration.”
A native of Thakkallapally Thanda in Rangareddy district, Amgoth has set off on the 50-day expedition on Monday en route Mumbai to Nepal and Everest Base Camp (EBC). And he has left no stone unturned in his preparation. Apart from an advanced technical course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarakhand, the youngster has also completed a two week pre-Everest conditioning camp at Ladakh.
Amgoth Tukaram with Ram Nath Kovind
Interestingly, the Telangana lad has chosen to scale Mt Everest via the South Pillar route unlike the preferred choice of North or China route. Although he is tight-lipped on why he has chosen such a challenging route, the 20-year-old adds, “I know it is risky and challenging, but I am trained to counter these factors. I want to be very unique and different and treading on the toughest path will be more gratifying. However, the biggest challenge while scaling Everest is weather fluctuations. I was told that the weather is very erratic, so that’s something I am prepared for.”
While Amgoth’s social consciousness during his expeditions has been appreciated by everyone including the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, the young mountaineer is thankful to all the people who have helped him pool around `30 lakh for the Mt. Everest expedition. “I am forever indebted to all those who have helped me reach this stage,” he signs off.
