Launch: Mt. Meru & Mt Sudarshan Films by Giripremi
On the eve of International Mountain Day, a gripping short film was showcased depicting the thrilling journey of the worlds first successful climb on the western face of Mount Meru by mountaineers, along with the triumphant journey of the first and only successful expedition to Mount Sudarshan by women mountaineers from Maharashtra. Additionally, the publication of Umesh Zirpes book, Himalayatil Divas, was also concluded. Giripremi also honored organizations and individuals contributing to the conservation of mountains in Pune, aligning with the concept of International Mountain Day.
Colonel Anshuman Bhadoriya, Principal of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, and Major Deval Bajpai, Vice Principal, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, were present as chief guests. Alongside them were Girijashankar Mungali, Founder-Director of Sanskriti School, Anand Palande, Founder of Giripremi, Jayant Tulapule, President, Giripremi, Chandan Chavan, Vice-President, Bhushan Harshe, Head of Operations GGIM and senior mountaineer Umesh Zirpe. The program took place at the auditorium of Modern College, Shivaji Nagar, on Sunday, December 10.
Earlier, a mountain worship ceremony was conducted at the Quarry near Ferguson College, to express gratitude towards mountains. Colonel Anshuman Bhadhauria stated, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering was a part of the Meru expedition. The specialty of this expedition was Umesh Zirpe leadership.
Maintaining balance in all circumstances, keeping the morale of the team high, and returning with vigor and valor within two months after calling off the first attempt of the expedition, requires a different kind of patience and focus. This quality is found in Zirpe and resonates with all Giripremi members. Climbing Mount Meru is tougher than Everest itself. Congratulations to everyone involved. Thanks to Giripremi, Pune has become a hub for mountaineering in the country, which is a matter of pride and satisfaction.
Bajpai remarked, Mountaineers and climbers from Pune don’t just climb mountains but work passionately with great respect for nature and mountains. They contribute to the conservation of all these aspects. Its commendable how they work tirelessly for it. Climbing is one thing, but simultaneously continuing the perpetual task of nature conservation is equally important.
During the event, Umesh Zirpe’s Himalayatil Divas; book was released which is published by Sakaal Prakashan. Additionally, Madhukar Natu, associated with nature conservation, received recognition, along with Swatantryaveer Savarkar Mandal Nigdi, Pimpri Chinchwad Mountaineering Club, Green Hills Group, Eco Force Group, and Dilip Davake, Avinash Apte, Uday Sawant, and Laxman Rathod.
The main attraction of the programme was the screening of short films about the Mount Sudarshan and Mount Meru expeditions, which received an overwhelming response from the audience. The program was hosted by Varun Bhagwat and Vivek Shivade, while Everest summiter Ganesh More gave vote of thanks. Nature and mountain enthusiasts were present in large numbers.
Photo by Wojciech Gil