In a bid to make mountaineering history and inspire people with disabilities, Hari Budha Magar, a former soldier in the Gurkha regiment, has become the first double above-the-knee amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
At the age of 43, Hari lost both his legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2010. He embarked on the gruelling expedition to change perceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities and inspire others to overcome their limitations.
Reaching the summit at about 15:00 BST on Friday after climbing for several days, Hari expressed that it was “harder than I could have ever imagined”. Speaking over a satellite phone, he mentioned that they had to “carry on and push for the top, no matter how much it hurt or how long it took.”
Hari’s phenomenal feat of bravery has brought tremendous joy and pride to people worldwide. He has shown that one’s limitations do not define the individual’s capabilities.
This accomplishment serves as a testament to the perseverance and resilience of human beings in the face of adversity. Hari has proved that with determination and hard work, obstacles and limitations can be conquered.
This historic event will undoubtedly inspire many individuals facing hurdles in their lives and serve as a shining example of what humans can achieve when they put their minds to it.