It was just a boring day in my life when I encountered the advertisement given by Tetso Mountaineering Club (TMC) with an attractive title- “Explorers Wanted.” My heartbeats started running rapidly. I was not sure whether I could ever be an explorer, however something deep inside was constantly telling me my whole life that if anything I really wanted to do is nothing but “To Explore the World and Myself”.
I cleared the physical entrance test to become eligible to train for NOVA ITER”22 Mt Saramati Exploration and Climbing Expedition. I was happy to see the team spirit of participants and their dedication to training. The best part of the training which I did miss was the “Endurance March” that was routed from Tetso College Campus to Pimla village (to and fro around 60 KM).
It was interesting to observe how disciplined the entire expedition team was. A long list of items were issued to us by the Expedition Directorate and we made sure to include all of them for e.g. Twenty Meters standard climbing Rope, 24 KN Carabiners, Military Water bottle, Dao or Khukuri, Sleeping Bag, Mat, Head torch, Gloves, Warm clothes, Military Standard Boots, Medicines, Water purifying tablets, Compass, Whistle, Snake repellant etc. We were asked to prepare for seven to ten days of arduous journey through inhospitable and dangerous densely forested, snake infested mountain terrain of unknown nature.
Each of the ropes made sure that everyone was well equipped with the ration lasting for at least ten days. Total weight of our individual Expedition Haversack must have easily gone beyond 20 kg. We knew what we were going to do. ‘We Were Going To Create A History.’ We were going to be the ‘First People’ taking up the challenge to climb Mt Saramati from an unconventional route.
The support that we have received was encouraging. The ‘Fatherly’ role that the Indian Army played in our expedition as our back support system till the end was unforgettable. Our vision was noble. The decision to climb from Khongjiri was taken in the best traditions of Mountaineering. However, despite all the transparency and clearances our movement was not without challnges. In the night I witnessed the Expedition Commander, Dr Aniruddha Babar trying to seek assistance from his ‘higher contacts’ to facilitate securing “Free Passage” for NOVA ITER”22 to Mt Saramati from Khongjiri. I was in constant touch with local leaders and village authorities throughout the challenging time.
Strange turn of events created chaos in our formations. However, our leaders maintained their cool throughout the episode. Bombardment of accusations against officials and the Expedition Commander was so severe that at one point of time I thought the expedition would be wrapped up and everyone would be ordered to march back. However, we continued and the decision was taken to summit Mt Saramati from Thanamir village. With this decision the basic purpose for which we trained and prepared ourselves got defeated.
Who defeated our purpose? We were strong, our leaders were brave hearts, we were fully ready to face the wrath of nature but I think we were not prepared to face the ignorance and insecurities of man. In our final briefing at Khongjiri, the Expedition Commander showed us the route with his hand. That was an emotional moment for all. Everything was right there in front of us. Our Expedition Commander who was standing straight looking deep at us was briefing loudly at the sunset, his serious voice echoing in the booming wind and there was a new route (NOVA ITER) right behind him.
After our final briefing we started preparing to move to Thanamir. We were given send off by the members of village council of Khongjiri village who during the discussion cleared the air of suspicion and doubts which helped everyone understand the reality, this is how the misunderstandings among members was cleared, team spirit came back and Expedition Commander, Rope Commanders and Liaison Officers were exonerated from accusations. However, our misfortune continued. During our journey to Thanamir, one of our vehicles met with an accident. Nobody got injured nor hospitalization required. With the involvement of Nagaland Police the matter was professionally handled and we found our way to the village.
Everyone was dead tired with anger and determined to climb the mountain. Two guides from the village were appointed and the third guide was our own expedition member Thanamir Route was actually a well-marked cake walk without any challenge or hazard.
Nova Iter”22 Expedition Team, on March 17, 2022 at 6:45 hours completed one of its objectives by reaching the top of Mt Saramati and proudly hoisting the Tricolour Flag of our country, TMC Banner and Tetso College Flag on the highest point of Nagaland.
What did I learn from this Expedition? I discovered a leader in me. I watched how the Expedition Commander successfully handled dangerous situations and sailed the Expedition Team of 45 through the troubled waters safely. I saw how Rope Commanders showed their leadership skills. While preparing for departures, Expedition Commander and I had an extremely tough time booking Bus tickets and preparing schedules but made sure everyone goes back safely to their homes. That was our first priority as leaders. We suffered, got humiliated but did not let ‘mates’ suffer. I was leading the First team departure and the Expedition Commander decided to stay back with his team of two executives-the President and Secretary General and eight members to make sure everything ends well. President Tumchobemo Kithan returned all the Tents and other items that Nova Iter”22 received from the Indian Army.
We set for our Expedition as one unit, with one identity and we came back the same. Our Tribal/social identities disappeared the moment we became part of this glorious expedition. Tetso Mountaineering Club has no space for any Politics, Tribalism, Regionalism, Religionism or any other ism, we value human spirit, defend humanism and stand for humanity- the eternal values enshrined in our Constitution of India.
Mountaineering success is never an individual achievement, it is a Team achievement. In our small world of Mountaineers we don’t have Heroes, but we have stories of Raw Courage and Heroics which I witnessed during exploits of NOVA ITER”22.
I saw Undefeated People rising to glory. I Am The Witness!
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thoughtwill delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr Aniruddha Babar, Khangpuiliu Pamei, Rinsit Sareo, Meren and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org.
