PALAKKAD: R Babu, the Cherad youth who was rescued by the Indian Army after being trapped in a crevice of Kurumbachi Hills of Malampuzha, said on Friday that he would try to scale Mount Everest if he gets the right training.
The 23-year-old was discharged from the district hospital here in the morning after doctors certified that his health condition was stable. However, they advised him to take a week's rest.
He told the media that he will go for trekking again but only with permission from the forest department.
"I was not afraid while remaining trapped inside the crevice because I was sure that I would be saved. The presence of my friends, the Fire and Rescue, Police, Forest and other officials in the area gave me the confidence. The only problem was that I was thirsty," he said.
"This was my third attempt to climb Kurumbachi Mala. This time I reached the top and I was thrilled. But while returning I slipped in an area with dried grass and fell into the rock cave. I could not move out but there was no space to move. I tried to go down but did not succeed. In the night I could feel the presence of rescue teams nearby. That gave me the confidence to remain calm and composed," Babu said.
Thanking all those prayed for his life and also the rescue teams, he expressed his wish to join the Army. "I had earlier tried to join the Army. But I was not tall enough and had not passed the Pass Two exam. But if I get a chance, I will join. I love them more after they saved me."
District collector Mrunmai Joshi, SP R Viswanadh, DMO Dr K P Reetha and others were present along with a large number of people to give a warm send off to Babu at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Babu's safe return home was a big relief to the three friends who had accompanied him halfway through his trek. The Cherad Durga Nagar residents, Sooraj (13), Pratheesh (15) and Adi (15), were there to receive Babu at his house.
With the news spreading, the families had locked their homes and left the area. They returned only after the Army rescued Babu on Wednesday, his friends said.
