Rengali,18th Aug 2025: Young mountaineer Ashirbad (Anup) Mahapatra has proudly hoisted the Indian Tricolour at the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, symbolizing India’s pride and independence.
Hailing from Kulita Tukura village under Attabira block, Ashirbad began his journey to Africa on August 2 for the expedition. His team included climbers from London, America, Iran, Brazil, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. He was the only Indian in the group. Successfully scaling Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet), the highest peak in Africa, he unfurled both the Indian national flag and the sacred flag of Goddess Samalei, revered in Western Odisha. The climb, which commenced on the afternoon of August 3 at around 12:30 p.m. (local time), culminated in his reaching the summit on the morning of August 7 at 8:49 a.m.
Sharing his experience, Ashirbad recalled that upon entering the final “ice zone,” the temperature dropped between –25 to –30 degrees Celsius with heavy snowfall. His body nearly froze, but after using a nebulizer and repeatedly invoking Goddess Samaleswari for strength, he regained courage and continued step by step until he achieved success. He credited his accomplishment to Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, acknowledging his support.
Upon his return to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Ashirbad was warmly welcomed by the State Sports Department, Nishtha Parivar of Bargarh, Sankalp Parivar, and the Koshal Sangha. When he reached his native village, school students from Class I to X, along with villagers, celebrated his homecoming with a grand procession. Today, Attabira MLA Nihar Mahananda also visited his residence to personally congratulate him.
Leave a Reply