Championing Polio immunisation in the Himalayas Animesh Chatterjee of RC Burdwan South and Amit Samata of RC Burdwan, RID 3240, embarked on a challenging expedition from Kolkata to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal to promote polio immunisation. Both have 15 years of experience in mountaineering.
Our trek to the Everest Base Camp wasn’t just about reaching a destination; it was about spreading hope, overcoming challenges and reaffirming our commitment to a better world. Our adventure began on November 5, 2024, when we boarded a small aircraft in Kathmandu, Nepal, to reach the Edmund Hillary Tenzing Norgay Airport in Lukla, located at an altitude of 11,000ft, and considered to be one of the most dangerous airports in the world. We began our trekking journey from Lukla. Our goal was not just to conquer the challenging Himalayan trails, but also to raise awareness for the End Polio campaign, a cause that remains central to Rotary’s global mission.
Over eight days, we traversed through rugged terrain, scaling heights that tested our physical and mental limits. The trek covered a total distance of 103km, with the highest point being Kala Patthar, situated at a staggering altitude of 20,200ft.
The challenges were immense — biting cold that plummeted to temperatures as low as -15°C, relentless inclines and thin mountain air that made breathing laborious. Each day was marked by long hours of walking, navigating icy paths and braving freezing winds. Despite the hardships, our resolve remained unshaken, fuelled by the greater purpose of our journey. Our route took us through several picturesque Himalayan villages, including Phakding, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep, each one offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The sight of prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, the warmth of Sherpa hospitality, and the serene monasteries provided us with moments of solace and inspiration.
On November 13 at precisely 3:20 pm, we reached the Everest Base Camp. The moment was surreal, as we were surrounded by the grandeur of the world’s tallest mountain. Standing there with the ‘End Polio’ banner, we felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. This was more than just a personal achievement; it was a message of hope and resilience, broadcast to the world from one of its remotest corners.
Throughout the journey, our primary mission was to spread awareness about polio eradication. Despite the logistical challenges of the trek, we carried the banner with pride and shared Rotary’s message with everyone we encountered. The mountain trails, though demanding, became a platform for advocacy as we spoke to locals and fellow trekkers about the importance of immunisation and Rotary’s global health initiatives. The harsh climate tested our endurance, and the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes made even simple tasks arduous. Yet, our determination to fulfill our mission kept us going. Overcoming these obstacles brought us closer as a team and reinforced our belief in the power of collective effort.
Returning to Lukla after completing the trek was a moment of triumph and reflection. The journey had left us physically exhausted but mentally exilerated. We were reminded of the significance of perseverance, not just in the mountains but also in the fight against polio, which requires relentless dedication and global cooperation.
It was an honour to represent our Rotary district and bring attention to a campaign that has already made significant strides in eradicating polio from the world.
As we returned home, safe and healthy, we carried with us memories of an unforgettable adventure and the satisfaction of having made a small but meaningful contribution to a global cause.
