TSAF trio scales Mt Everest

The trio comprising Poonam, Swarnalata and Sandeep Toliya, successfully reached the Summit of Mount Everest Monday morning as part of the Mission Everest 2018. The mission, sponsored by Tata Steel, was organised by Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF).

Poonam, 21-years-old, has done Basic and Advance mountaineering courses and trekked to Everest Base Camp in April 2017. She hails from Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Swarnalata Dalai, 20-years-old, is from the state of Odisha. She has trekked to Everest Base camp, climbed Mt. Rudugaira and undergone various high-altitude treks in Himalayas. She is the first girl from Odisha to be sponsored by Tata Steel for Everest Expedition.Sandeep Toliya has been working with TSAF for more than 10 years as Sr. Instructor. He has done Basic and Advance mountaineering courses, Method of instruction, Outdoor Educator Semester at National Outdoor Leadership Course, USA, trip leader course at NOLS, Ranikhet.

Congratulating the TSAF cadets on this remarkable feat, Sunil Bhaskaran, vice president, corporate services, Tata Steel said, “It’s a great achievement by the trekkers which showcases their indomitable spirit, zeal and grit. We at Tata Steel are proud to have been able to support them to realize their dreams. TSAF, through this unique endeavour, will continue to promote the adventure sports in the country.”

The Everesters had been undergoing training at the TSAF for the past one year. In February this year, they were sent to Mt. Aconcagua (Highest peak of South America & one of the 7 summits) as part of their training to provide them with climbing experience with international climbers. During the training, they faced turbulent weather, high altitudes and thin air with less oxygen, an experience like the Mt. Everest expedition.

The trio left Jamshedpur for Garhwal Himalaya on Feb 25 for another round of training under TSAF. This included a month-long training on the snow-covered mountains to get acclimatized to the cold conditions, heavy load carrying up and down the mountain slopes, and sleeping in tents. Bachendri Pal, chief, adventure programmes, Tata Steel is driving this spirit in people to be adventurous and enterprising. Over the years, apart from leading path-breaking expeditions, she has trained several people from different walks of life for Mt. Everest expedition. Speaking on the achievement of the 3 climbers, she said, “This feat shows the CAN-DO-SPIRIT which TSAF inculcates amongst the people. Tata Steel has been forthcoming in providing opportunities to make such dreams come true through the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation. Our congratulations to Poonam, Swarnalata and Sandeep Toliya.”