The Himalayan Club Hosts Annual Adventure Festival in Mumbai

The spirit of the mountains came alive in Mumbai as The Himalayan Club hosted its Annual Adventure Festival on 25 March 2025, a day dedicated to celebrating India's deep-rooted connection with the Himalayas. The event featured thought-provoking talks, prestigious awards, and an inspiring film showcase, reinforcing the country’s thriving mountaineering legacy.

The festival brought together five distinguished speakers - Dr. Sonam Wangchok, Divyesh Muni, Rudra Prasad Chakrabarty, Cdr. Karthikeyan and Debasish Bardhan share unique insights on exploration, scholarship, and personal experiences in the Himalayas.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of three prestigious awards. The Jagdish Nanavati Garud Gold Medal was awarded to Phurtenji Sherpa, fondly known as Lakpa, in recognition of his unwavering support in numerous summit expeditions across the Indian Himalaya. The Kekoo Naoroji Book Award was presented to Nandini Purandare and Deepa Balsavar for their book Headstrap (The Sherpa Trail in India), lauded for its lyrical storytelling and meticulous research. 

The festival concluded with a curated screening of films from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation Film Festival, offering a cinematic tribute to adventure, perseverance, and the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

Photo Courtesy: Anindya Mukherjee