Avatar Singh Cheema was a legendary Indian mountaineer and an officer in the Indian Army, celebrated for his groundbreaking achievements in mountaineering.
Early Life and Background
- Born: 15 January 1933
- Hometown: Punjab, India
- Profession: Officer in the Indian Army, serving in the Punjab Regiment.
Mount Everest Feat (1965)
First Indian to Summit:
- Cheema became the first Indian to successfully summit Mount Everest on 20 May 1965. This made him the 16th person in the world to reach the peak of the world's highest mountain (8,848 meters/29,029 feet).
Team and Expedition:
- The Indian expedition, led by Captain M.S. Kohli, was historic as it saw nine members reach the summit, a record at the time.
- Cheema climbed alongside Nawang Gombu, who became the first person in the world to scale Mount Everest twice.
Challenges:
- The team faced extreme weather, avalanches, and thin air at high altitudes, making the achievement a testament to their resilience and teamwork.
Recognition and Awards
- Padma Shri (1965):
- Awarded one of India's highest civilian honors for his mountaineering feat and contribution to adventure sports.
- Arjuna Award: Recognized for outstanding achievement in sports.
Legacy
- Indian Mountaineering Pioneer:
- Avatar Singh Cheema's success inspired a generation of Indian climbers and established India as a prominent player in the global mountaineering community.
- Training and Advocacy:
- He was involved in training young mountaineers and promoting the sport in India through institutions like the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Later Life
- Cheema continued his association with mountaineering and the Indian Army until his retirement. He passed away in 2009, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
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