Kolkata/Bhubaneswar: The mountaineering community across India has expressed shock and concern after decorated Nepali climber Nirmal ‘Nims Dai’ Purja was reported missing following an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain, which stands at 8,051 metres (26,414 ft) in the Karakoram range on the Pakistan-China border, on Thursday.Rescue operations are underway amid difficult weather and terrain conditions as hopes remain alive for the safe return of the renowned high-altitude mountaineer. Purja, one of the world’s most celebrated climbers with multiple mountaineering records to his name, was part of an expedition on Broad Peak when the avalanche struck. The incident has sent waves of concern through the global climbing fraternity, with mountaineers, adventure enthusiasts and sporting bodies offering prayers and messages of support for Purja, the injured and the families affected by the tragedy.From Mizoram to Odisha to Jharkhand, prominent figures from India’s mountaineering community have voiced their grief over the incident while expressing hope that the ongoing rescue efforts will bring positive news sooner rather than later.
Debraj Dutta
“A multinational expedition of 35 climbers from several countries was underway, and he was apparently among the 10 members who went missing. From what I have learnt, around 7.30 pm yesterday (Pakistan time), efforts were still underway to assess the situation. Since nearly 24 hours have now passed, the exact whereabouts of those missing remain unknown, and limited network coverage in the area has made it difficult to determine anyone’s location,” Debraj Dutta, member of the Governing Council and Chairman (East Zone), Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), told TOI on Friday.“The incident is truly heartbreaking. Although mountaineering is technically very difficult and many have attempted such climbs repeatedly, the number of successful ascents remains relatively low,” he added.
David Zohmangaiha
Mizoram Sports Climbing and Mountaineering Association (MSCMA) president David Zohmangaiha, the first Mizo to summit Mount Everest in May 2013, said, “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we received the news of the tragic accident which claimed the lives of four people. We pray for the departed souls to rest in peace and for strength to the grieving families. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”“An avalanche is an extremely powerful natural force. The enormous weight and pressure of moving snow can cause significant physical trauma, and if a person becomes trapped underneath, restricted breathing, reduced oxygen availability and extreme cold can make the situation very critical. However, the human body has remarkable resilience, and survival can depend on several factors, including whether an air pocket is present, the depth of the snow, the person’s position and, most importantly, how quickly rescuers can reach them. At this difficult moment, our thoughts are with Nirmal Purja. We remain deeply hopeful that he is safe, that the rescue operation succeeds, and that Nirmal returns safely to his family,” said Dr Sarthak Patnaik, founding member of the Orissa Mountaineering Association.V
Ganesh Chandra Jena
eteran mountaineer Ganesh Chandra Jena feels ‘Nims Dai’, as Purja is popularly known, has inspired an entire generation across South Asia.“Broad Peak is among the toughest mountains in the world. Even the most experienced climbers face enormous risks from avalanches and sudden weather changes. We received the news last night and were terrified. We are praying for the safety of those still missing, especially Nims Dai, who has inspired an entire generation of mountaineers across South Asia,” said Jena.Nrusingha Sahoo, a mountaineering trainer and adventure sports instructor, echoed Jena’s sentiments.“The reported avalanche on Broad Peak is heartbreaking for the global mountaineering community. Every climber understands that high-altitude expeditions come with inherent risks, but incidents like these still leave us shaken. Nims Dai is not just a record-holder but an inspiration for thousands of young climbers across the world. His achievements have motivated many adventure enthusiasts in Odisha as well. We are praying for the safety of all those still missing and hope the rescue teams receive a breakthrough soon,” said Sahoo.
Madhusmita Patro
Software engineer and avid climber Madhusmita Patro said, “Nims Dai transformed the way people look at Himalayan climbing through his extraordinary achievements. Even people who do not follow climbing know about Nims Dai and his record-breaking feats. The possibility that someone with his experience could be caught in such a disaster shows how powerful nature can be. The mountaineering fraternity in Odisha is closely following the rescue efforts and hoping for positive developments.“
