EDITORIAL
As India celebrates its Republic Day, the national flag will be unfurled atop Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, on January 26 as a part of the remarkable feat due to the efforts put in by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department led by Lucknow’s resident, Virendra Sisodia, a retired army personnel turned mountaineer.
The initiative, aimed at promoting UP tourism globally, began on January 22, on the auspicious day of the consecration of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya. Virendra recounts losing his parents due to health issues at the age of 21, leading him to promote health awareness. Transitioning himself from military personnel to an International Sports Science Association-certified personal fitness trainer, he began imparting training voluntarily on a larger scale in 2017.
Drawing from his diverse experiences, he emphasizes the importance of physical and mental well-being. Influenced by Dr. B.M. Hegde, Padma Vibhushan awardee, Virendra embraced traditional yoga and meditation training from the Isha Foundation.
The transformative power of these practices prompted him to share them with a broader audience, especially during the COVID pandemic. Virendra’s journey into mountaineering began with an admission to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi.
Subsequently, he embarked on journeys to various mountains, emphasizing the profound joy derived from connecting with nature. His conquests include Mount Kenya and Mount Elbrus.
Having conquered Mount Kenya and Mount Elbrus, Virendra directed his focus to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Climbing from the base on January 22, he aims to reach the summit on the night of January 25th, hoisting the Indian flag on behalf of UP Tourism on Republic Day.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, holds significance not just for its height but also for its glaciers and unique biodiversity. Virendra chose the day of the consecration of Lord Ram’s idol in Ayodhya for his Kilimanjaro expedition.
He believes this endeavor will not only bring pride to the nation but also highlight the potential of tourism in shaping economies, fostering mental and physical health, and preserving endangered species.
UP’s Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasised that the Government’s aim is to develop the state as the world’s most attractive tourist destination across the world, and representing UP Tourism in Africa is one such effort to promote its tourist spots globally
