Lt Col Rommel Barthwal has earlier been a part of several expeditions and marathons - including the Boston Marathon - but his latest achievement is something that he would certainly cherish for a long time – scaling Mt Everest.
A member of the Hyderabad Runners Club, 42-year-old Rommel, who is currently based in Delhi, successfully led a 20-member team to scale Mt Everest on May 24.
A jubilant Rommel, who reached Nepal to set off on the expedition on April 2, says, “It feels very gratifying. While getting an opportunity to scale Everest is itself great, it gives a different perspective about life.” He adds that he is quite keen to instill a sense of adventure into the Gen Next.
So what does scaling Everest mean to him? “Everyone has challenges to face in life, be they big or small. Mine was scaling Everest and I want to encourage young people to take up healthy lifestyles, go out and explore the world,” he replies, adding, “Even though I am an IITian from Kharagpur, I feel balance is important to stay happy in life. Academics and books alone are not enough.”
A marathon runner, Rommel adds that his earlier expeditions to Mt Kedar Dome, Stok Kangri, Saruchi Kangri and Golep Kangri came in handy. “Most of the deaths at Everest happen due to inexperience and it is sad to see most casualties amongst Indians because of sheer inexperience,” he states.
On a somber note, he shares that it was extremely demoralising to see several people dying during the expedition. “All my enthusiasm of summiting fell when I saw my friends being evacuated and was also involved in rescuing some of them. It is extremely disheartening. Adventure is good but people need to prepare well. No mountain is worth dying for,” he adds.
An avid cyclist, Rommel has also apparently inspired his elder daughter Aaron. “She is going for an adventure course at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi after seeing me summit Everest,” quips Rommel, who reveals that his wife Pooja has been a tremendous support.
Rommel says that being fit lends him a lot of confidence and encouragement, and it has become a way of life for him. “Interacting with people from different walks of life gives great insights. Also, every endeavour towards being fit is a big learning for me,” he says as he signs off.
