The mystery of Nature with its innumerable complexities of pain and pleasure, infinite calls and vivid intimations of immortality has filled the mind of homosapiens with wonder and awe ever since the days of creation. That is why man has been tempted to conquer the unconquerable and to interact with the infinite and the immaterial since time immemorial. Scaling the summit of the world has been a passion with man, and Kalpana Dash, a woman with unflagging zeal and iron will, a symbol of Odia National pride has so far climbed five peaks of the world out of her dream projects of seven. Born amidst the lush green foliages of the Kapilash mountain ranges in Dhenkanal, she had picked up the intricate tricks of the trade from her father before emerging as a consummate mountaineer. A lawyer by profession and a mountaineer by choice, Kalpana combines in her two diametrically-opposite traits into a single whole. Consequent upon her gargantuan endeavours, she had finally scaled Mt Aconcagua, the highest mountain located in the Andes mountain range in Mendoza province of Argentina which stands 6,960.8 metre.
In 2008, she had made Odisha resplendent by becoming the first-ever woman from the State to have conquered the Everest. She has added feathers unto her cap by scaling the highest peaks up Mt Kilmanzaro of South Africa, Mt Eldrus of Europe and Mt Kosciuszko of Australia. It is strange but true that the Central Government as well as the State Government have done little to encourage this enterprising woman, while lANCO Dhenkanal has stood beside her to help blossom her genius. Kalpana gave an interview to The Pioneer in tête-à-tête with Sugyan Choudhury.
How and when did you learn climbingIJ
I had started learning the art of climbing the hills from a very tender age. If my memory fails me not, I remember that my father always took me beside him to various hilltops while he was doing the same with his friends. He did it against my mother’s protest as I was enjoying a thrilling joy and sensation when I used to reach hilltops with my father. In this way, I had unknowingly nourished a secret love in my heart of hearts for this, which later on became a hobby with me. I was also always a front ranking sports girl during my school and college days which also prompted me to pursue the art of mountain climbing as a sport until I graduated as a mountaineer.
What are the requisites for a successful mountaineerIJ
Mountaineering is impossible without a detailed geographic knowledge of the peaks and without knowing the art of flawless climbing. It is no cakewalking. One has to undergo rigorous training in safe camping, navigation, belaying, rappelling, glacier travel, rescue, climbing on rock, snow and ice safely, dealing with wild animals and the like. Besides the physical capabilities, one has to possess a razor-sharp intellect and uncommon commonsense to face any untoward challenges. Above all, one should choose this line if one feels a call from within and is endowed with a passion for the same.
How do you take to your expedition from the very beginningIJ
On the appointed day, we all assemble at the feet of the Himalayas. As per our Indian tradition, we offer our prayers to the Himalayas for our successful journey and safe return. It is a teamwork comprising the brilliant and the boisterous, the sedate and sarcastic, the aggressive and the subtle. All of us know that we are all on our act of daredevilry. But then, we have to strictly adhere to the directions of the mountain guide and their protocol. We have to work with single-minded devotion for at least 10 to 12 hours a day, which is indeed a tough work.
What are the other things that dreaded you on your missionIJ
Apart from climbing and terrible weather conditions, it is the wild animals that sent ominous threats to us. I remember once a wild animal completely ransacked our camp and destroyed our food items. Once, I saw a tiger passing close by me leaving its paw marks on the soft white snow.
What was your feeling when you reached EverestIJ
I breathed a sense sublime when I landed on the top of Mount Everest. I felt that I have reached the roof of the world. Besides, to be in the midst of choicest few belonging to various countries of the world is a rare delightful experience which has been deeply imprinted in my memory for all times to come. Words are a poor substitute to describe such a unique experience in a serene backdrop.
Did you climb in the nocturnal hoursIJ
I found climbing in the night was better as it had less pain. For me, it was a good climbing at night as I was making sure of each footstep on the right ropeway keeping my head torch lights on. It was indeed a pleasant experience.
Why do some climbers refrain from their mission while they are on their way to the summitIJ
No namby pamby with the mountains! If the weather conditions are bad then we have to decide to shift our mission and then stage a comeback to the camp side to begin our climb once again. The greatest achievement in one’s life lies not in never failing but rising every time you fail.
What are the plans on your agenda in the coming yearsIJ
Ever since I scaled the summit of Everest in 2008, I have my mission to scale the seven highest peaks of the seven continents. So far, I have almost completed this task by already scaling five summits, and I can say without the slightest hesitation and with all humility that I shall scale the rest two within a couple of years. I have my plans to climb atop the highest Mountain, Mt Vimson Massif of Antarctica within a year from now.
Are you happy with the genial gesture shown to you by the State GovernmentIJ
I am thankful to our esteemed Chief Minister who has displayed his genial gesture and goodwill by allotting me a piece of land and an ex-gratia sum to encourage me in my endeavour. It is indeed true enough but not enough of the truth. My counterparts like Mamta Soudh of Haryana has been offered a post of the cadre of DSP so that she is concentrating well very much unlike me being absorbed in a private company that closes down thrice in a year. I have no other certain ostensible means of livelihood to support me for chasing my towering ambitions. I have been trying hard to appraise our popular CM but to no avail since the CMO is almost beyond my reach as I am unable to avail the necessary permission from the mandarins of the CMO to meet the CM for a discussion. A Government job by my side would propel me in leaps and bounds to bring laurels for my State and the nation.