After 10 years of various expeditions together, we both knew Everest was something that we wanted to do

This interview is not about just Adventure tourism but about life and it’s varied essence. Padmashri Ajeet Bajaj, founder, Snow Leopard Adventures and his daughter Deeya Suzzanah Bajaj are the first father-daughter team from India to have successfully scaled Mount Everest. That’s big news indeed. But what’s bigger is their spirit, the aim to spread the word that the girl child is powerful and that the word conquer can never be used in conjunction with mother nature

What triggered this decision to go ahead as a team to scale the highest peak in the world?

Ajeet Bajaj: Deeya and I have been going on expeditions together since she was very young. The first major expedition we did together was when she was 14- sea kayaking in Greenland. After 10 years of various expeditions together, we both knew Everest was something that we wanted to do. Doing it together not only seemed like the logical option- but of course the more fun and meaningful option as well.

What was the training involved at all levels – physical, mental and emotional?

There was a lot of training involved. We dedicated a year solely focused on climbing Everest. While we were in Delhi we would spend about three hours everyday doing some form of cardio (running, cycling, swimming and cross trainer) and resistance training. We also did four practice expeditions before going. Two in Ladakh, one in Nepal and one in France. These expeditions were vital as we focused on technical skills and also ensuring that Deeya and I were on the same page mentally.

What was the most defining moment of the journey? Was there any time that you decided to not go further and return may be?

There was no time that we decided to go back, but there were definitely times where I was worried especially because I was climbing with my daughter. There was particularly bad storm that we encountered on our way up to camp 2, the winds speeds were high and our tent was shaking violently through the night. I was afraid that the tent would either tear or be blown off the mountain. At that point I thought if the weather conditions remained this way, there would be no way we could make it up to the summit. Thankfully, by 5am in the morning the wind died down and we could continue climbing up.

Any thing particular you learnt from your daughter on this life-changing climb?

Deeya is always very upbeat, and that always makes it a pleasure to climb with her. Even when the going gets tough, or we’ve had a very hard day – she’s always ready with a joke. She also cares a lot about all the team members, always taking care of everyone. As you can tell I’m a very proud dad.

What are the five things you learnt and unlearned on this super trip?

Having been on many expeditions before I think the both of us have learnt a lot with reference to the outdoors.

• Always be prepared: There is no substitute for the amount of training, research and organising that goes into a major expedition like this. You have to be thinking about the company that you’re going with, equipment, food, evacuation procedures. You have to constantly be thinking a step ahead, especially while you are on the expedition.
• The power of positive thinking: There are so many moments when you’re out on these expeditions where it feels physically impossible to go on. It’s in those moments that being positive is very important. The minute one starts to think negative, the battle is lost.
• Humility: People talk about conquering mountains, and I strongly believe that the word conquer can never be used in conjunction with mother nature. We humans are so small and insignificant compared to the vastness of the mountain. The forces of nature are incredible, and you really have to be humble when faced with situations such as storms in the mountain. Those who go out believing that they can contend with it are often the ones who are grievously injured.
• Team: The other thing that I have learnt is that it is very important to be a good team player and support your team in anyway possible. In these expeditions, there are so many situations where your team members literally hold your life in their hands. If anything happens to you, the rescue will be conducted by your team members. So it is vital to build a sense of camaraderie and trust right from the very beginning.
• Honouring nature: I believe that our natural heritage is something that we hold in trust for our future generations. Having been to the North and the South Pole, I have first hand seen the effects of global warming and feel sad when I think about how we humans are ruining so many of the beautiful places on our planet due to pollution and inadequate waste management systems. I have learnt that being on these expeditions, and being one with mother nature, can teach you a lot and it is important that the future generations get to do so as well.

Any message you wish to share with the society on adventure tourism or otherwise?

My two daughters are the best thing that has ever happened to me. In a country where the girl child is not given the importance that she deserves, going on this climb with my daughter was significant as we both wanted to spread the message that given the right opportunities our girls can do anything that they set there mind to.

What was the first thing that crossed your mind when you achieved your goal?

Deeya Suzzanah Bajaj: It was a mix of happiness and relief. It was an extremely emotional moment for both of us, as the past year had been solely focused on climbing the mountain, and being up on the summit together was overwhelming. It was an extremely proud moment for us to unfurl the national flag on the summit, especially thinking about the message of female empowerment message that we wanted to spread. These feelings quickly gave way to a feeling of apprehension however, because we were climbing up in the dark and reached the summit just as the sun came out. All of a sudden we could see the huge drops that we would have to contend with while making our way down.

What was the kind of training did you undertake which was different from your father’s?

We had very similar training routines, however while we were in the city we would have different timings. Dad would often wake up and start training at 5 am, I would be awake and training by about 7 am.

Is there something special your father told you while enroute that was hard hitting?

Dad has been my mentor in the outdoors ever since my first hike with him, I learn a lot from him each trip that we do together. The best part about going on these expeditions with my father is that he never preaches or gives me lectures while we are outdoors (when we’re in the city however – that a is totally different situation) instead, he always leads by example. He is always ready to help anyone and everyone, he is always taking care of all of our team members- carrying extra food and water in case anyone needs it and further if he sees someone doing something dangerous he will never hesitate to speak up. It’s those small gestures that makes the biggest difference on the mountain, and the biggest compliment for me on an expedition is when someone says I’m exactly like my father.

Any message you wish to share with the society on adventure tourism or otherwise?

Growing up as girl in India I was very fortunate to have parents who always supported me. My gender was never a reason for me to not do something. It is unfortunate that this does not hold true for all families in India. So often, even when a girl is bright and motivated, she is not given an equal access to the resources that boys have. I strongly believe that families need to support their girls, because if they do so, us girl’s will take India to the greatest heights.

Do you have any message specific for the millennials?

We live in a technology driven world where people begin to feel anxious if they don’t have their phones on them 24/7. One of the most significant things that I have learnt from the outdoors is the importance of spending time with yourself, and your friends disconnected from technology. Spending time together in nature is a great way to do that. The type of connections you make and conversations you have when you’re in the outdoors, and away from all the distractions of the city make memories that last a lifetime.