RAIPUR: Adding yet another feather to his cap, blade runner and double leg amputee mountaineer from Chhattisgarh Chitrasen Sahu has conquered Mount Elbrus (5642 meters)— the highest peak of Europe.
He is said to be only Indian with double amputee to conquer three major peaks of three different continents.
Sahu has started his initiative ’Mission Inclusion’ to complete seven summits across seven continents with an objective of bringing behavioral change in society for People with Disability (PwD). He has already successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia.
The 28-year-old mountaineer hoisted Tricolor on the Mount Elbrus on Monday morning giving a message of ‘Mission Inclusion and Plastic-Free Nation’.
“I believe that life is like a mountain—full of ups and downs and we have to struggle continuously moving forward in our lives. Moving forward with a positive mindset and thinking rather than focusing just on the negatives always bring results of our efforts,” Sahu said.
Speaking about his expedition Sahu said it was quite challenging to reach the peak, the weather was not suitable for hiking with -25°C body freezing temperature and with snow storm gusting upto 50 to 70 km per hour. He also got his one leg injured but didnt lose hopes.
“You have to put 65 per cent more strength and energy than a normal person, having a prosthetic leg and when you are at a higher altitude in the mountain the oxygen level is also low and you are a little slower than the rest, so it becomes more difficult,” he explained.
Speaking about ‘Mission Inclusion’, he said, “We are not less than anyone, nor are we different, so we want all to treat us equally. We don’t want any mercy.”
Sahu will now start preparations for his fourth expedition soon.
Meanwhile, the US-based NRI organization NACHA (North America Chhattisgarh Association) of Chhattisgarh supported this mountaineering expedition. They described his expedition as a matter of pride for the country and extended best wishes for the upcoming campaign.
