The Ultimate Descent

According to Munne, he has been determined to climb the planet’s highest peak for several years. After he lost his leg, he spent the next two years recuperating from three surgeries, two of which he claims were botched by local doctors. “I was severely depressed,” he says. “I was often sick. I began to lose weight. Everyone thought I was done for.” After his health began improving, after a third surgery, he wanted to prove everyone wrong. “I decided then that I would do what everyone thought was impossible—climb Everest!”

To take on the challenge of his expedition, he has done a pilot course at a paragliding school in Kamshet in Maharashtra. In preparation, he has been hiking regularly, apart from swimming. Also, he says, he runs and cycles for about 3-4 km daily. Munne has been able to raise Rs 11 lakh for the expedition already, and is in the process of securing another Rs 20 lakh from various charities. So far, only three teams have been able to paraglide from Everest’s top. A few disabled individuals have climbed Everest, but none of them tried to fly down. Munne’s point: “If you are disabled, it doesn’t mean you are incapable.”