About the Author
Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia was a brave Indian army officer and a famous mountain climber. He was born on November 6, 1936, in Shimla, a hill town in India. He loved mountains from a young age and joined the Indian Army. In 1965, he was part of the first Indian team that climbed Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. This made him a national hero. Later, he wrote books about his adventures and worked to help people with disabilities. He passed away on January 14, 2022, but his stories still inspire many young people to chase big dreams.
What’s the Story About?
This chapter is like a personal diary entry from Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia about his exciting and tough journey to the top of Mount Everest. It's not a made-up tale but a real-life adventure that happened in 1965 during India's first team climb. The author shares his feelings step by step, from the hard work of climbing to the deep thoughts it sparked in his mind. Let me tell you the whole thing in easy words, like chatting with a friend.
The story starts at the very top. Imagine standing on the highest point on Earth, with nothing but blue sky above and fluffy clouds below. Major Ahluwalia felt super tired—his legs were shaking, his body wanted to just sit down forever. But when he looked around, the amazing view of snowy peaks and green valleys far away made his heart full of peace and smallness. He felt happy and a bit sad at the same time. Happy because he did it! Sad because now what? Was this the biggest thing he could ever do? He says that anyone who climbs a big mountain like this changes forever—they become calmer and more thankful to God.
As he came down the mountain, his body hurt less, but his mind started asking big questions. Why did he climb Everest? Why do people love mountains so much? He remembers how, as a kid, he felt lost in flat city areas and happy only near hills. Mountains are like God's artwork—tall, strong, and beautiful. They make you want to talk to them, share secrets, and feel closer to something bigger. For him, climbing was like a game against nature's tough rules. You push your body to walk on ice and rocks that slip under your feet, and it feels great to win.
But why Everest especially? Because it's the king of all mountains—8,848 meters high! It has beaten many climbers before. To reach the top, you need every bit of your strength. Once you start, you can't quit halfway, or you might not make it down safely. The climb is like a battle: cold winds bite your face, your breath comes in short gasps, and every step feels like lifting a heavy bag. You tie ropes to your friends—one holds tight while the other cuts steps in the frozen snow. Without your team's help, you'd give up. Famous climbers like Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay also needed each other.
Near the end, it's the hardest part. Your muscles scream, you curse yourself for starting this crazy trip, and you dream of warm beds back home. But then, a strong voice inside says, "Just a little more—50 steps, 100 steps." Your friend pulls you up with words and rope. Suddenly, without noticing, you're there! The top looks like a jewel in the sky, with other mountains shining like a necklace around it. You feel like a winner, but also tiny in God's big world. The team left gifts to say thanks: Major Ahluwalia placed a photo of Guru Nanak, his Hindu friend Rawat left one of Goddess Durga, the Buddhist Phu Dorji left a Buddha statue piece, and even Hillary from an earlier climb buried a cross in the snow.
The best part comes after. The author says the real win isn't just the mountain outside—it's the mountain inside your heart and mind. Everyone has their own "summit within," like facing fears, staying strong in tough times, or learning who you really are. Climbing that inner hill needs three magic powers: keeping going (endurance), not giving up (persistence), and strong will. It's scarier than Everest because no one can climb it for you. But when you do, you feel free and wise. The author says his Everest trip taught him to face life's problems bravely, like school tests or family worries. In the end, he smiles and thinks: inner peaks are even taller and more fun to climb!
Who’s Who in the Story
- Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia (the Narrator): The main voice telling the story. He is the climber who shares his feelings and thoughts. He is a Sikh and left a picture of Guru Nanak on the summit.
- Rawat: A team member and friend who is Hindu. He left a picture of Goddess Durga to show respect to God.
- Phu Dorji: Another teammate who is Buddhist. He placed a small relic (special item) of Lord Buddha on the top.
- Colonel Gyan Singh: The leader of the Indian Everest team in 1965. He guided everyone during the climb.
- Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay: Famous climbers from an earlier expedition (1953). They are mentioned as heroes who first reached the top. Hillary left a cross there.
(Note: Most of the story focuses on the team's group effort, so there aren't many named side characters. It's like a team adventure!)
Themes and Moral
Themes (Main Ideas)
- Strength from Inside: The story shows that real power comes from your mind and heart, not just your body. Climbing a mountain teaches you to beat fears and stay tough.
- Teamwork Makes Dreams Come True: No one climbs alone—you need friends to hold the rope, share encouragement, and celebrate wins.
- Feeling Small but Thankful: Big mountains make you see how tiny we are in the world, but that brings peace and love for nature and God.
- Joy in Challenges: Tough jobs like climbing give the best happiness because they test and change you for the better.
Moral (The Big Lesson)
The true top to reach is the one in your own self. Work hard to build endurance, persistence, and willpower every day. Whether it's a mountain or a problem in life, facing it head-on makes you stronger, happier, and ready for anything. Remember: "The man who has been to the mountains is never the same again."
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the chapter. I've explained them in simple, everyday language, like talking to a classmate.
- Summit – The very top of a mountain, like the finish line of a super tough race.
- Expedition – A big planned trip for adventure, like a school picnic but with climbing gear and danger.
- Endurance – The power to keep going even when you're super tired, like running laps without stopping.
- Persistence – Not quitting no matter how hard it gets, like studying for exams day after day.
- Willpower – The strong choice inside you to do what's right, even if your body says "stop."
- Belay – When one climber holds the rope tight so the other can climb safely, like being a human anchor.
- Cairn – A small pile of stones used as a sign or marker on mountains, like a trail of rocks to say "I was here."
- Panorama – A wide, beautiful view of land and sky, like looking out from your rooftop but a million times bigger.
- Obeisance – A deep bow or show of respect, like folding hands and saying "thank you" to God or elders.
- Grip on imagination – When something exciting sticks in your mind and won't let go, like a fun movie you replay in your head.