Indian boy with passion for peaks moves mountains

NEW DELHI

A 12-year-old from western India is making a name for himself by scaling mountains both at home and abroad.

The family of Sai Sudhir Kawade, a seventh-grade student in Maharastra State, said he has been fond of mountaineering since the tender age of 4 years old.

On the eve of Saturday’s International Mountain Day, Sai told Anadolu Agency that after scaling several peaks in India and abroad and attending several trekking expeditions, he wants to tackle the roof of the world, Mount Everest.

"I started (mountain) trekking in my childhood and over the years it has become my passion," said Sai. "I will continue what I am doing till I achieve my dreams in life."

Sai's father, Sudhir Shashikant Kawade, said when he took his son to a nearby fort, one of his friends, a mountaineer, suggested that Sai should focus more on mountaineering.

"My son's first hike was at the age of 4 when he hiked Shivneri fort in Maharashtra with me,” said Kawade, referring to a 17th-century military fortification.

“I used to take him regularly there and then he developed an interest in trekking and mountaineering.”

He added: "A local friend who is a mountaineer suggested that my son has great ability and he should move ahead in this. Since then, the family has been providing him with all kinds of support and we’re proud of what he’s doing."

Europe, Africa, South America

Family members said that in 2018 – at just 9 years old – Sai successfully climbed the Stok Kangri peak in the legendary Himalayas.

In 2019, he went to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and then to Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest peak. He was accompanied by two mentors – both ace mountaineers.

The elder Kawade claims his son has trekked 100 mountain ranges. "His next planned summit is to climb the Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America in 2022," he said.

He also said that he has been getting support from everyone, including administrators at his school.

Sai’s father said his expeditions are sponsored mostly by contributions and donations that keep his son climbing.

"I'm not financially well-off and it is not my capacity to sponsor all his expeditions. His trips mostly rely on donations and contributions. Whenever a summit is scheduled, then people contribute funds," he said.

For his part, Sai said he has two dreams: "To hike to Mount Everest and also become a para-commando."

​​​​​​​"I am working hard to achieve my dreams," he said.

His father echoes his son’s views.

"My son has an aim that he wants to join the Indian Army when he is older. I am sure he will do it and serve his country," he said.

India has produced a number of youngsters who have scaled mountain peaks and achieved success.

Trekking is currently one of the latest trends in India, with many northern states witnessing a large number of enthusiasts taking part in trekking programs.