KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 17
Hari Budha Magar, an ambassador for the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) and a record-breaking mountaineer, has been honored with the Inspiration Award by public vote at the Soldiering On Awards 2024.
This award recognizes individuals who have overcome significant challenges, injury, or disability, inspiring the Armed Forces community with their remarkable achievements in areas such as personal endeavors, campaigning, sports, or the workplace.
Last year, Hari made history as the first double above-knee amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest, demonstrating immense courage and endurance. A veteran of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, Hari undertook this extraordinary challenge to raise awareness about disabilities and challenge perceptions of what people with disabilities can accomplish.
In his acceptance speech, Hari expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am not sure I deserve this award in front of two legends, but I am honoured to receive the Inspiration Award at the Soldiering On Awards. I am climbing the '7 Summits,' the highest mountain on each continent. I have climbed 4 and have 3 to go. I am doing this to raise awareness about disability, the Armed Forces community, and to inspire others to climb their own mountains and conquer their dreams. Together, we can change perceptions about persons with disabilities and prove that 'Nothing is Impossible.'"
Al Howard, CEO of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, praised Hari's accomplishments, stating, "On behalf of all at GWT, I would like to congratulate Hari on his richly deserved Soldiering On Award. All of the finalists were worthy contenders, but Hari's awe-inspiring achievements in the face of unbelievable adversity have etched his name into the history books. In parallel, Hari has used these accomplishments to spotlight the challenges faced by those with disabilities in his homeland and around the world."
