Jalalpur (Panipat), May 31
On any other day, the roads of this little-known village would have worn a deserted look. However, with the Kaushiks, who conquered the Everest, returning home late last night, the village was abuzz with activity today.
The arrival of 24-year-old Vikas Kaushik and his 27-year-old wife Sushma Kaushik after the two became the youngest couple in the world to climb the most challenging mountain, has become the talk of not only this village but a large number of adjoining villages as crowds poured in here to congratulate the two on their remarkable feat.
Speaking to The Tribune, Vikas said it was three years ago that he developed an inclination for mountaineering after spending some years as an NCC cadet. Vikas, who is pursuing an MSc in computer science from Kurukshetra University, underwent an intensive training programme along with his wife Sushma in Nepal before the big climb.
Vikas said, “It was Sushma’s cherished dream, who did a basic training course in mountaineering in 2004, to climb the Everest. After we got engaged in 2008, she started coaxing me into taking up the challenge along with her.”
He said their fascination for the Everest increased with each passing day and even financial constraints could not hold them back from going on the adventure.
The couple had to arrange over Rs 44 lakh for the expedition, which they collected through loans and help from relatives. “The debt is the last thing on our mind as of now,” said an ecstatic Sushma, who works as a constable with the Panipat police. She said her department was supportive and she never faced any problem in getting leave for the purpose.
Vikas’ cousin, Anil Kaushik, who was overjoyed on their achievement, said when Mamta from Kaithal scaled the Everest last year, the state government offered her a job of a DSP. Vikas and Sushma had gone a mile ahead and had become not only the youngest couple of the world to climb the Everest but also the first Asian couple to do so.
Vikas’ father Lal Chand and his mother Vimla Kaushik, said they were hopeful that the state government would duly reward them for their accomplishment. Sushma’s colleagues said they were thrilled on their achievement.
District police chief Pankaj Nain said Sushma was a promising mountaineer and the grit shown by her had inspired many in the department. He said it was a matter of great pride that one among them had achieved what was considered “unachievable in the first instance”.
Meanwhile, a large number of local politicians, cutting across party lines, made a beeline for the climber couple’s house to congratulate the
duo.
