We are back with part 2 of Ramlal Sharma’s story. If you haven’t read part 1, read it. Otherwise, you will miss important aspects of the story. Anyways, continue reading part 2.
Youngest Mount Everest Climber of Haryana – Ramlal Sharma
The next point was hazardous as it had 22 to 25 ditches. People used to speak a lot about them. They used to say if you ever fell in them, then you’ll never come back. There is simply no chance to survive. But I kept walking and walking without thinking about anything. My entire journey was revolving in front of my eyes.
The death zone is a part of the mountain where no one will come to your aid even if they see you dying. They’ll let you die. You can’t cry or complain as there is no one to listen to. You are all alone, either close to your death or victory.
I was about to fall at the last point as another climber had lost his balance and he fell on me. I thought I was gone, but I held a rope and came back to life. I had no one around me. I couldn’t seek emotional comfort despite being mentally torn beyond repair. That’s how you get on the mountain. The sport is hazardous.
Despite all the odds, I refused to give up. I continued climbing and finally reached my peak. On Monday, 21 May 2013, at 5:15 pm, I hoisted the Indian flag on Mount Everest and informed them. Sherpas declared the victory through walkie talkie and Indian media announced the news ‘Ramlal Sharma from India has summited Mount Everest.’ It was a proud moment for me. The victory was worth all sacrifices. We clicked pictures, made videos, and thoroughly enjoyed the moment.
After this feeling, one thought knocked my mind ‘How am I going to get down? I can’t do it. What if I die?’ Then I collapsed on the ground and signaled my trainer, revealing that I could not return. He boosted my morale, and after a short break, I was back on my feet.
Climbing down was equally challenging and dangerous. I didn’t have an ounce of energy left inside my body. My knees were bleeding badly. There wasn’t a single part in my body that didn’t hurt. Still, I gathered courage and resumed the journey. Somehow, I reached base camp 4.
Unbelievably but fortunately, I was successful in climbing down. I couldn’t believe the reality. It seemed like a distant dream or a miracle, as if the entire universe collaborated to support me.
I cannot express my feelings in words, and nothing can ever define it. It was truly surreal, strange, unreal, but magical. Prayers of my well-wishers saved my life.
My family, relatives, villagers, state, and the entire country celebrated my victory. I contacted my teacher when I reached base camp, and he told me that everyone is celebrating your achievement. They had arranged a grand welcome for me from Delhi to Haryana. The local government motivated me and promised me a government job.
I thought all my problems would be gone. My hard work will pay off, but I was utterly wrong. The government’s promise was nothing but a sheer lie. They didn’t fulfill it. I got nothing in return, neither a job nor money. I attempted to contact concerned authorities, but my pleas fell on deaf ears.
Meanwhile, my father fell sick and experienced severe back pain. He had to stop working as a vendor, and I took up his job. Everyone was shocked when they saw me selling vegetables on the streets. It sounded unbelievable to my ears, I hadn’t summited Mount Everest to work as a vegetable vendor, but my family was in an abnormal condition. I didn’t have any other option left.
The news reached the media rooms, and they visited my house to cover the story. Within a few days, the story went viral. People couldn’t digest the reality and supported me to come out of this situation. I had contacted many ministers to complain about the injustice. My fellow climbers were allowed to join as DSP, but I was left behind. They didn’t react to it and made more false promises.
Things changed when Bollywood celebrities came to my aid. They came to know about the incident and expressed their disappointments. There was a show going on in Colours tv channel Mission Sapne hosted by Sonali Bendre. I participated in the show, and actor Siddhartha Malhotra sold vegetables on the street to raise funds for me. He raised 3 lakh rupees which was a massive amount for my family.
I was still trying to get the job, but nothing was coming from the government’s side except announcements. Helplessly, I had to file a case against the government in the high court. When BJP came in power, they allowed me to join as Sub Inspector.
My son was born when the decision came. Till now, I have been raising my family by working as a vegetable vendor. Getting a job was similar to climbing another Mount Everest.
Currently, I am in the police force, joined as Sub Inspector, serving society. When I go back in time and play the journey again, I feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, I can’t believe that I went through it all. It’s an unbelievable journey.
During my job tenure, I initiated a ‘Daughter with Helmet’ campaign to motivate young girls and women to wear a helmet while driving a two-wheeler. The idea came when I saw a young girl dying in a road accident. She could have survived if she had been wearing a helmet. I wanted to do something in this area. So I initiated the ‘Daughter with Helmet’ campaign. I visit schools and colleges to motivate others to wear helmets and to follow safety rules.
To conclude the story, I want to say, ‘Always fight for your dreams. Will power is what you need to make it happen. Instead of relying on people, motivate yourself and stay away from negativity. Set higher goals and aim to take India forward.’
I am quoting my favorite lines here ‘Manjile unko milti hain jinke sapno me jaan hoti hain. Pankhon se kuch nahi hota honslo me udaan hoti hain’
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