Trekking to Kilimanjaro has been a dream I have nurtured for the last five years: Neeraj George - Times of India Trekking to Kilimanjaro has been a dream I have nurtured for the last five years: Neeraj George TNN | Oct 4, 2019, 06.58 PM IST Printed from Kochi-based Neeraj George's journey has been like no common man's. His struggles, failures, survival and triumph over adversities, as an amputee, are bound to move people off from their shaky grounds of inhibitions and insecurities. Having always been a go-getter right from his childhood, after losing his left leg to a bone tumour at the age of nine, Neeraj chose to live life the way he wants and embrace the maxim of 'try and try until you succeed'. He says, "That was when I decided not to confine myself within the four walls of my house." That young kid, who was intrigued by sports, later grew up to be an active badminton player and at the same time realised that he was a vagabond in the truest sense, who found sheer joy in meeting new people and delving into new experiences and into the minds of the umpteen people he chanced upon. He keeps saying, I love to climb mountains, quite literally and otherwise, despite being through turbulent times. Neeraj has pursued his higher studies in Scotland, after which he also participated in para-badminton tournaments, both at the national level and international level. The youngster, who has earlier trekked Chembra Peak, Pakshipathalam, Ponmudi, Peechi, and from Munnar to Kodaikkanal, besides many others, is now venturing out to conquer the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa. He says that this has been a dream he has nurtured for the last five years. About deciding the itinerary, he adds, "I happened to go to Rudrapur, in Uttarakhand recently for a tournament. As I always make sure to embark on a trip or a trek, whenever I am out for a tournament, I then trekked Naina peak, at Nainital, which came around 8,000 ft, and it marked my best trek so far. The climate there was totally different. Though I had breathing problem and other difficulties, I made it, with the help of the guides I had." The Kilimanjaro trek starts on October 9, with five others. "The others are coming only to help me fulfil my dream, including Chandni, my best friend since school," says Neeraj, who has been working as an assistant at the advocate general's office. "It was a hassle to find sponsors. Soon, Chandni and her friends decided to pitch in with the trek expenses to the tune of Rs 1.1 lakh." In an animated voice, he says that together, they will be taking the Lemosho route, which will take around seven days. "On the fifth day, we will reach the summit. We will be exposed to three to four different climatic conditions, during these days. Down the hill would be the rainforest, followed by a dry forest above, with a -20 degree on top of the mountain. It is going to be very interesting and tough." That he is using crutches will make it all the more tough and painful. "I have stopped using prosthetic legs, after being used to it for around 22 years. While normal people would use their hands to climb the mountain or use their feet, I use my one leg, while holding on to my crutches. So, the whole pressure falls on my torso." For somebody like Neeraj, the much awaited yet daunting endeavour will require him to deal with things mentally, he adds. "I have my own pace, and make sure that I am fine. I take a break of 30 seconds for every 250 metres I trek to breathe and relax, unlike other people, who go for bigger stretches. People often tell me that my method makes them feel more comfortable." The way you plan your trek makes all the difference, according to Neeraj. Kilimanjaro, he says, with its summit about 4,900 metres from its base and 5,895 metres above sea level, is very steep, and will hit one with altitude sickness, after 14,000 feet. However, he is prepared to take things in his stride, and his team is well-equipped to handle the situation, no matter how bad. His outlook is bound to give life lessons to many. Neeraj says, "Nothing is impossible if you have the power of the mind. Even if do not become successful, this remains an attempt and if I complete the summit, it is going to be my personal best." He says that the support of his friends and family, especially his mother is remarkable. "I try my hand at everything an ablebodied person can try. My advice to others like me is that you have that spark inside you, all you have to do is blow it and make it into a fire, which is what my trips in forests have taught me. I have that spark within me, and everyone around me has helped me keep it alive. It is a small fireball now, which will grow huge, implying the immense potential of the differently abled."
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