Team Orisports 12-May-2010 321
Orissa`s first ever Mount Everest conqueror Kalpana Dash today announced her plan to scale Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America at 6,194 metres next month. She will be the only Indian in a six-member team, which is scheduled to start its 21-day expedition on June 5.
At the age of 43, Kalpana would be the oldest woman and first Indian to scale Mount McKinley, which is one of the most beautiful as well as hazardous terrains in the North Americal state of Alaska. ``It will be
a big challenge to scale the peak where temperature falls to minus 60 degree celsius. But I am confident to overcome all odds and be successful in my mission,`` Kalpana told mediapersons here today.
Speaking on her preparation, the mountaineer from Dhenkanal town said she was fully fit and raring to go. ``I prepared myself well in Uttar Kashi. Back home I have been climbing Kapilas Hill regularly,`` she added.
The ensuing expedition is estimated to cost Kalpana US $ 11,500. She, however, is fortunate that sponsors from different sectors have come forward to share the financial burden. Angul-based Jindal Steel & Power Limited boosted her confidence when its Senior General Manager (Human Resource and Administration) D K Mohanty handed over a cheque of US $ 6,000 here today in the presence of their Vice-president (Corporate Affairs) Jagat Indu Parija and Liaison Officer Amulya R Mohapatra.
``Orissa Mining Corporation has provided an assistance of Rs 1 lakh and the State Sports Department Rs 15,000. Nalco has committed to take care of the air fare. Smaller contributions have also come from a couple well-wishers,`` disclosed Kalpana on the occasion. She expressed hope that with God`s blessings, the remaining amount would be arranged in time.
A lawer by profession, Kalpana earlier made history when she conquered Mount Everest, after two abortive attempts, on May 21, 2008. Later that year, she was included in an 11-member all-women team to scale Mount
Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, under the leadership of Bachendri Pal, the
first Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest. But the Orissa mountaineer
missed the opportunity due to illness.
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Kalpana Dash briefs about her Mount McKinley expedition in the presence of officials of sponsor Jindal Steel & Power Limited in Bhubaneswar on May 12, 2010.
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