GTA textbooks to feature ace climber

Amitava Banerjee, HT, 13 Nov 2016,DARJEELING: Late Nawang Gombu, the highest-decorated Indian mountaineer, will soon feature in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration textbooks. Gombu was the first man to summit Mount Everest twice in 1963 and 1965. His statue was unveiled at the Darjeeling Chowrasta.

“It is sad that the kids and the youths of Darjeeling are aware of renowned foreign personalities but do not know about their own heroes. Late Nawang Gombu was renowned worldwide as a legendary mountaineer. He will soon feature in GTA textbooks,” said Binay Tamang, executive member in-charge of Information and Cultural Affairs, GTA.

The statue has been installed by the department of information and cultural affairs, GTA, aided by the Gorkha body’s Engineering department. It has been sculpted by Amir Sundas of Dooars.

Unveiling the statue, Col. Allay said, “The statue will be a great inspiration for youths and specially the mountaineering enthusiasts,” said Allay.

Members of the Sherpa Association and the Monastery were also present on the occasion along with family members of Late Gombu.

“We want the Chorten (stupa) to be built in memory of my father late Nawang Gomby at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute premises. It will be a great tribute to him,” said Ongmu Gombu, youngest daughter of the late mountaineer.

Born on May 1, 1936, Gombu was the youngest sherpa in Tenzing Norgay’s team in 1953 and managed to climb up to an altitude of 26,000 feet with heavy load. Gombu was part of the first group of sherpa mountaineers who along with Tenzing Norgay completed a guide course in Switzerland in 1954. Gombu in various capacities such as the field director served HMI for 40 long years.

Among the other peaks summitted by Gombu are Saser Kangri II (1955), Frey Peak (1960), Nanda Devi (1964), Mont Blanc in France (1966), Mt. Rainier in USA (1973), Mt. McKinley in Alaska, USA (1978) and Kangchendzonga from Nepal in 1989.