India’s mountaineering community converge in Pune

Mumbai: As India’s mountaineering and adventure community converged in Maharashtra’s cultural capital of Pune over the weekend, the veterans and experts gave a major push to education in these fields  for all-round development of people, launch conservation initiatives and open new route in the Himalayan ranges. 

The occasion was the 10th anniversary of Pune-based Guardian Giripremi Institute of Mountaineering (GGIM).

A major highlight of the evening was the launch of GGIM’s first-ever Mountaineering Handbook, a comprehensive guide designed to educate and inspire future mountaineers.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, who is the Pune MP, said: “It is a proud moment for all Punekars that an institution of this stature has been established in Pune, making a global impact in adventure education. As an MP, I proudly extend my full support to GGIM. Pune is now a capital of adventure, home to 20 Everesteers, 14 of whom belong to the Giripremi and GGIM family.”

Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar said: “Building an institute like this requires courage and determination. The GGIM team has not only honed these qualities in the mountains but has also successfully applied them in real life to establish this prestigious institution. I wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

Veteran mountaineering Brigadier  Ashok Abbey (Retd) reflected on GGIM’s growth and urged them to explore new routes of climbing in Himalayas and styles of mountaineering. “GGIM has been instrumental in instilling adventure culture across generations. Their efforts will continue to shape the adventure sector in India for years to come,” he said in presence of GGIM founder-Director Umesh Zirpe, a mentor and team builder. 

The event also honoured the dedicated GGIM and Giripremi Adventure Foundation (GAF) team, including over 80 freelance instructors who play a crucial role in training and mentoring aspiring mountaineers. Notable Everesteers such as Ashish Mane, Jitendra Gaware, Krishna Dhokale, Prasad Joshi, and Anand Mali were among the attendees who continue to inspire the mountaineering community.

The event featured an engaging panel discussion with leading experts in the field, including Col Anshuman Bhadoria, Principal, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering), Col Hemchandra Singh, Principal, Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Wing Commander Devidatta Panda, ex-Vice Principal Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling and Keshab Paudial, Head, Peak Promotions, Nepal. 

“GGIM’s 10th-anniversary celebration was a testament to its commitment to fostering mountaineering culture in India. As it embarks on the next phase of its journey, the institute aims to further expand its reach, introduce innovative training modules, and continue shaping the future of adventure education,” the GGIM said. 

Among those present include Jagadish Kadam, industrialist, Vijay Joshi Director, Cubix Microsystems and Director, GGIM, Manish Sabade, Director, Guardian Corporation, Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale (Retd), Girijashankar Mungali, Head, Sanskriti School, Pune, Pramod Chaudhari, Founder-Chairman, Praj Industries Ltd.), Anand Palande, Founder-Trustee, Giripremi, Ushaprabha Page, Founder-Trustee, Giripremi, Jayant Tulpule, President, Giripremi, Khemraj Thakur mountaineer and Entrepreneur, Manali, Dr. Amit Tribhuvan and Bhushan Harshe were present.