Lessons of Survival from a Storm on Mount Everest – Adventure Nation Blog

Ajeet Bajaj

Ajeet Bajaj

Ajeet has pursued almost every adventure activity imaginable. It would be difficult to find another person with such a strong passion for adventure. Whether it’s rafting on the Zambezi, Colorado, or Amazon rivers, kayaking among Greenland’s icebergs, or completing the polar trilogy – skiing to the North Pole, South Pole, and across Greenland – there seems to be no limit to his adrenaline-fueled pursuits. Ajeet has received numerous accolades for his accomplishments, including being awarded the ‘Padma Shri’ by the President of India in 2012. Additionally, Ajeet and his daughter Deeya made history by becoming India’s first father-daughter duo to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest, climbing 8,848 meters.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajeet_Bajaj

Ajeet Bajaj

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During the Covid 19 pandemic, my daughter Deeya and I encountered a similar situation to the storm we faced on the North side of Mount Everest on May 14, 2018. We were ascending in the dangerous ‘death zone’ at approximately 8000 meters when the weather suddenly worsened. The temperature plummeted to -50 degrees Celsius, including windchill, and it became a fight for survival. As a concerned father, observing my daughter’s steady and resilient progress through the storm provided me with strength and determination. Despite being only 200 meters away from camp 2, we couldn’t retreat, give up, or halt our journey.

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Here are a few lessons that could assist us in navigating through this challenging period of the pandemic:

Stay composed and avoid becoming anxious. Deeya and I continuously supported one another with small actions such as fist bumps and occasional embraces amidst the turbulent situation.

2. Have a positive mindset. Imagining positive scenarios, such as appreciating the scenery from the peak alongside my daughter, aided us in overcoming the difficult situation. The majority of conflicts take place within our own thoughts, and our mental outlook determines whether we succeed or fail.

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During a storm or crisis, always prioritize teamwork. Take care of your family and fellow team members regardless of the circumstances. It’s a wonderful feeling to have teammates who are willing to provide unwavering support.

Adhere to the guidelines and maintain self-control. Errors could potentially have severe consequences.

Do not hold anyone responsible for the circumstances you find yourself in. Instead, prioritize the safety of both your loved ones and yourself as you navigate through this crisis.
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We refrained from checking our Whatsapp messages or TV forecasts. Fortunately, our phones were not functional! Although staying informed is important, it is advisable to avoid letting technology control our lives.

A few thoughts that will definitely help us brave this storm. Eat healthy and avoid excessive alcohol. Stay fit and exercise daily while socially isolating.

Storms do not last forever! This too shall pass. Stay healthy, stay safe and keep smiling!

ajeet-baja-and-deeya

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