Team of 6 comprises veteran climbers and beginners
Dr Shalini Rajneesh lauds initiative of Dept of Youth Empowerment and Sports
BENGALURU:
To mark International Mountain Day (which fell on December 11), six Indian eves will take on the challenge of climbing the east-facing vertical rock face of Madhugiri Hill, the second largest monolith in Asia.
The climb has been sponsored by Karnataka’s Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES). Commenting on the venture, Dr Shalini Rajneesh, Additional Chief Secretary, DYES, said the Department had put together a team comprising different age groups and including amateurs alongside experienced climbers.
The team members are: Archana (39), mother of two, veteran international climber; Vathsala (35), mother of two, veteran international climber; Chea Marak (24), ace climber; Sriya Misra (15), budding climber; Gangamma Sandimani (22), and Bindu (22).
Chea Marak (24)
Bindu (22)
2nd tallest monolith
In a press note, Dr Rajneesh said, “At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports on taking up this unique challenge to climb Madhugiri Hill, the second largest monolith in Asia at a height of 3,984.5 feet, located at Madhugiri in Tumkur district.”
She added, “The sheer challenge of climbing a vertical rock is captivating. It gives me great joy to learn that six women will achieve this task by opening a route and subsequently climbing the same. I compliment each one of the team members and the officers of the General Thimayya Academy of Adventure. May you succeed in this challenge.”
About the day
The increasing attention to the importance of the ecosystem of mountains led the UN in 2002 to declare December 11 as International Mountain Day.
Mountain biodiversity is the theme for 2020’s International Mountain Day.
Mountains have a variety of endemic species and genetic resources, and sustainable management of mountain biodiversity is increasingly recognized as a global priority.
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