KATHMANDU, APRIL 30
The 25th memorial day of world record-holding Everest climber Babu Chhiri Sherpa was observed on Wednesday with various commemorative programmes.
On the occasion, members of the Everest Climbers' Association, Babu Chhiri Sherpa Foundation, family members and fellow mountaineers gathered at Tilganga, Gaushala, where prayers were offered following Buddhist rituals at his statue and memorial site.
Association President Maya Sherpa, Senior Vice President Diwas Pokhrel, Alpine Sports Association Inc. USA President Nawang Ngima Sherpa, and Foundation Vice President Pemba Gyaljen Sherpa, among others, paid tribute by offering garlands and lighting lamps, recalling his contribution to promoting Nepal globally through mountaineering.
Speakers also highlighted ongoing social initiatives carried out in his name in education, health and upliftment of Himalayan communities, as well as efforts to attract the younger generation to mountaineering and promote safe climbing practices.
Babu Chhiri Sherpa had set a world record in 1999 by staying on the summit of Mount Everest for 21 hours without supplemental oxygen. He also reached the summit from base camp in 16 hours and 56 minutes in 2000 and successfully climbed Everest twice in a single season in 1995 and 1999.
He passed away at the age of 36 on April 30, 2001. In recognition of his achievements, he had received more than two dozen national honours, including the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, National Youth Award, Pasang Lhamu Award and awards from mountaineering and tourism bodies.
