The GOAT of Mountaineering

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It’s not every day that you come across someone who is on a different planet to the rest of humanity.

Nirmal Purja is the GOAT [Greatest of all Time] in question. Let me tell you of his achievement upfront. This is the man who dared to take on the challenge of climbing the worlds 14 highest mountains (above 8000 metres) in 6 months.  Yes, you read that correctly, he indeed completed this superhuman feat by climbing 14 mountains in 6 months and 6 days. I cannot even begin to fathom the enormity of what Nirmal has achieved.

These are the mountains he climbed: Annapurna (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Kangchenjunga (8586m), Mount Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8485m), Nanga Parbat (8126m), Gasherbrum I (8080m), Gasherbrum II (8034m), K2 (8611m), Broad Peak (8047m), Cho Oyu (8188m), Manaslu (8163m) and Shishapangma (8027m).

If that was not enough, he broke his previous Guinness World Record by climbing Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu within 2 days and 30 minutes. Yes my friends, he climbed 3 mountains in less than 3 days. 

The table below gives an indication of how many mountains Nirmal has climbed. Check it out and you’ll see he has climbed Mt Everest no less than 6 times.  I mean doing it once is often the pinnacle for any leading mountaineer.

		Date of ascent
1	Mount Everest (8848 m)	13 May 2016, 15 May 2017, 27 May 2017, 22 May 2019, 31 May 2021, 15 May 2022
2	K2 (8611 m)	24 July 2019, 16 January 2021, 22 July 2022
3	Kangchenjunga (8586m)	15 May 2019, 7 May 2022
4	Lhotse (8516 m)	27 May 2017, 22 May 2019, 16 May 2022
5	Makalu (8485 m)	1 June 2017, 24 May 2019
6	Cho Oyu (8188 m)	23-Sep-19
7	Dhaulagiri (8167 m)	18 May 2014, 12 May 2019, 8 October 2021
8	Manaslu (8163 m)	27 September 2019, 27 September 2021
9	Nanga Parbat (8125 m)	03-Jul-19
10	Annapurna (8091 m)	23-Apr-19
11	Gasherbrum I (8080 m)	15-Jul-19
12	Broad Peak (8051 m)	26-Jul-19
13	Gasherbrum II (8034 m)	18-Jul-19
14	Shishapangma (8027 m)	29-Oct-19

There is a movie called ‘14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible’ which charts the incredible journey of Nirmal’s incredible steadfastness in his own conviction that nothing is impossible. Can you imagine what a mother goes through knowing that her son is about to climb not just the highest mountain in the world, but all 14 of the highest, and that also in 6 months?  How incredible must the confidence of his wife Suchi be that she stands by his side knowing that he is only a moment away from harm’s way?

If you get an opportunity, I suggest strongly that you watch the movie. Get ready to be amazed and get ready to have your mind blown. It is currently available on Netflix.

Nirmal is to mountaineering what Bolt is to athletics, Serena Williams and Federer are to tennis, Hamilton and Schumacher to Formula One, Woods to golf, Ali to boxing, Maradona and Pele to football, Phelps to swimming, and Bradman and Tendulkar to cricket. Nirmal is unique even amongst these giants.

In my view Nirmal Purja deserves a knighthood. Only four mountaineers have been bestowed such an honour. They are Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir John Hunt, Sir Chris Bonington and Sir Graeme Dingle.  

I ask one question to our Prime Minister and to HM the Queen, what does Nirmal have to do to get a knighthood? Many with lesser accomplishments have been granted this honour, but not Nirmal.  This Nepali man has served in the British Army with the Brigade of Gurkhas, followed by the Special Boat Services (SBS) and the special forces unit of the Royal Navy, and then he conquers the world of mountains.  It’s 2022, it’s time for this nation to stand up and honour this man, nay, this superhuman. Arise Sir Nirmal Purja.

American Hell Fire

Lest we Forget

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The month of August has become central to the history of humanity. Look back over 5000 years and you will be able to pick out events that have changed humanity and the destiny of the world.

The events that I bring to you are the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan on 6^th and 9^th August 1945.

Germany had already surrendered on 8^th May 1945. This gave the western nations (the Allies) the opportunity to focus all their fire power on Japan. Of course, if the Allies wanted, they could have used the nuclear bombs on mainland Europe, but the inherent racism in Europe and the USA guided them to test their new technology on those who they considered inferior.

On 6^th August 1945 they dropped ‘Little Boy’ (name given to the 1^st nuke) on Hiroshima.  The estimated death toll was 129000, most of them civilians. Three days later they dropped ‘Fat Boy’ (name of the next nuke) on Nagasaki where some 226000 people died, again mostly civilians. In total the Allies had selected four targets, Hiroshima, Kokura, Niigata, and Nagasaki – all chosen because they were large urban centres. The war strategy of the Allies was to devastate urban centres, even if it meant killing the civilian population. So the next time any western nation dares to talk about ‘not targeting civilians’, just remind them of this fact.

Vice President Truman then warned Japan: “If they do not now accept our terms, they may expect a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this earth. Behind this air attack will follow sea and land forces in such numbers and power as they have not yet seen and with the fighting skill of which they are already well aware.“ American hell fire was now a reality.

We should always remember it was the USA (with help from UK and Canada) that used nuclear weapons for the first time. It was the west that started the nuclear arms race because it became clear in 1945 that unless you also possess a nuclear capability, you can never trust any western nation not to use such power against you. Today, thanks to the madness of western nations, in particular USA, France, and UK, the world now has more than 13000 nuclear bombs.  Each bomb many times more powerful than the ones exploded at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

So where are we in August 2022? Ukraine is on fire. The same Allies are involved in a proxy war against their new target Russia. However, this time the ‘enemy’ is not without its own power to cause mayhem to the nexus of European Allies. The bear has been poked time and again, and if there is one thing the west should be mindful about, Russia is not Japan of 1945. It has the capability, and it has a leader who can and would embark on a nuclear war if push comes to shove. It does not matter which side you support. One thing is for sure, a miscalculation by the west will result in hell fire raining down on every major urban centre in Europe.

In 1945 Germany and Japan were brought to their knees by weapons of mass destruction and overwhelming power. Today the USA enjoys a partnership and a friendship with those very same nations. Let us hope we don’t have to invite our mutual destruction before we can find a way to be on better terms with Russia.

Remember, war does not determine who is right, it only leaves behind those who will write their version of history.

Har Ghar Tiranga

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Har Ghar Tiranga is a national campaign by the Indian Government to celebrate India’s 75^th year of independence. As the name suggests, the aspiration being that the Indian national flag will be flying proudly from every home.  In any other democratic nation, it would not be an issue, however, in India it has brought out the anti-nationals who a problem with it. The vast majority have however embraced this nation building initiative with both hands, with millions logging onto the national website to register their support by sharing a selfie.

Since 2014, India has gradually found its way in the world. Under the leadership of PM Modiji, there is an increase in respect for self, and the nation.  When an Indian goes out into the big world using their Indian passport, they are no longer shamed. Western democracies now increasingly having to be very careful that they do not disrespect any Indian since they know that the Government of India will no longer tolerate such overt or covert racism.  There is still a long way to go of course, and every Indian needs to do their duty as well.  They cannot enjoy the benefits and not sacrifice a bit to safeguard those liberties.

Har Ghar Tiranga in my view should be extended. There should be an expectation by every Indian that every commercial enterprise, be it shops, manufacturing companies, service companies, restaurants, recreational facilities, or any public facing enterprise, that they fly the flag with pride.

In fact, in my view every Indian should expect this wherever they spend their hard-earned money. And if it is not flying, then why on earth would any self-respecting Indian spend their money with those who care so little for the nation and its people?  There should be a boycott of any entity that does not fly the flag.  It will expose the anti-nationals for what they are, and it will stop funding those who do not always have the interest of the nation as their priority.

Speaking about national interest I was shocked when the movie, ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, was released recently. The initial fanfare was that it was the Bollywood remake of the hit Hollywood movie ‘Forrest Gump’. For those who may not be aware, Forrest Gump was about an American soldier, his life experiences and his part in the Vietnam war serving in the US Army. So, what is the issue you ask?

Did you know that there was a US initiative called, ‘Project 100,000’. This was to recruit 100000 soldiers quickly to help with the war in Vietnam. The project was also known as McNamara’s Morons, McNamara’s Folly and McNamara’s Misfits. Yes, you read that correctly, the US Army had a specific policy to recruit men of low intelligence to the war effort. After all, if they died who cares!

So when Laal Singh Chaddha was made, to many people (and those in our armed forces) it seemed that the prestigious Sikh regiment was being portrayed as being full of low intelligent men who could be sacrificed. Young men and women who put their life on the line for the nation are now being portrayed by Bollywood and Aamir Khan as morons. Can there be a bigger insult?

The Sikh regiment has to its credit some 1652 gallantry awards and honours including:

2     Param Vir Chakras

8     Maha Vir Chakras

64   Vir Chakras

4     Ashoka Chakras

14  Victoria Crosses

21  Indian Order of Merits

75 Battle honours

38 Theatre honours

The likes of Aamir Khan and the Bollywood dunces should avail themselves of such truths before embarking on projects that undermine nation and its brave.

The Indian people finally woke up and the movie has been boycotted. As far as I know, it has now become a major flop. The two leading actors, Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, who hitherto had exhibited huge egos, are now begging an end to the boycott. Hit them in the pocket, and they all fall to their knees!

There is a lesson for all Indians.  The silent majority that has been victimised by the extremists and the anti-nationals, have the power to affect change. It’s time to put that power to good use. Jai Hind.

Bharat – Defined by the Invaders

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On 15^th August the whole of India, and Indians across the world will celebrate Independence Day.  I have always been troubled by this notion of ‘Independence Day’ and the associated celebrations. I ask myself what is it that we are celebrating?

Is it that we allowed the British to rule Bharat for some 250 years?

Is it that we have a history of being ruled by invaders over many centuries?

Is it that we had Sepoys who sold the nation and its people for their bounty?

Is it that we had some Dharma Gurus who connived with the invaders?

Is it that we had some ‘elite’ families who worked hand-in-glove with the invaders?

Is it that we had allowed the invaders to define our territory?

Is it that we allowed the invaders to corrupt our Dharmic scriptures?

Is it that we allowed the invaders to impose a constitution that was anti-Dharmic?

Is it that we allowed the invaders to impose an education curriculum to undermine the nation?

Is it that we allowed the invaders to implement their Caste system, which plagues us even today?

Is it that we allowed the invaders to re-write our ancient history?

Is it that even today Bharat is chained to the evil practices of these invaders?

What is it that we are actually celebrating?

The official Government of India statement states, ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements’.

You see, even today when we attempt to celebrate the glorious history of the people of India, its culture, and its achievements, we do so by referring to ‘independence’.

The history of Bharat Varsh is thousands of years old. It is rich, as it is unique and all encompassing. When the west and the middle east was nothing short of barbaric, the people of Bharat were civilised and refined. One can write a library of books to narrate the history of Bharat, its dharmic traditions and about the diversity of its people. Yet today we still remain tied to the invader’s definition of our ‘independence’.

Is it now not time to rename this day to reflect the glory of Bharat that steeped in its history of Dharma?

Surely the time has come for Bharat to define itself in its own image.

Instead of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, why not have something like ‘Bharat Varsh Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

I am sure there are many clever people who can come up with an even better name – a name that we can all embrace and truly celebrate our Bharat Varsh.

We become independent when in our thinking we are truly independent. It is time under the premiership of PM Modi to have our own constitution, our own legislation, our own educational curriculum, and our own narrative of our collective history.

It is time to resurrect and safeguard all our ancient places of historical significance. It’s time to tell the world of our contributions to Science, Mathematics, Philosophy, Medicine, Literature, Music, Drama and much much more. Our discoveries and inventions have been hijacked by invaders, it’s time to expose this truth at the global level. And the Government of India should demand that all international institutions comply with this truth.

How ironic that even today India remains part of the Commonwealth – the origin of which was responsible for mass atrocities against India.

To be free, we must first emancipate ourselves from mental slavery. We are free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice freedom.

Are You a Racist?

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I have faced off racists for more than five decades. Let me state for the record, the UK is one of the best nations in the EU when it comes to equalities. The EU is riddled with nations where the far-right routinely secure significant voter support whereas in the UK we have beaten the likes of the BNP into submission.  However, it’s important to also expose the bigots in our society. The clandestine racists, masquerading as liberals, I have found them to be some of the most racist. Their fake empathy, the forced smiles, the crocodile tears, the taking of the knee, and jumping on any equalities related bandwagon, all done to hide the truth about their corrupt moral compass. Beware these charlatans of equalities and diversity, they are in it for their own self-gratification.

So, no doubt you are asking, why the question: ‘Are you a racist?’

Over the decades I have witnessed the racists getting very clever. They hide their racism using meaningless terminology. They associate themselves with diversity issues and activists. However, behind all the facade hides a core prejudice that comes to light every now and then.

Recently on twitter I challenged a leading left leaning journalist for remarks he had made, that I found offensive.  He said, ‘It might leave the impression that land colonised by Brits previously lived in prelapsarian bliss. They didn’t.’. To me it came across as, Brits were not all that bad, they brought a bit of bliss to the colonised (I guess they considered Indians as savages!). 

I challenged him by saying, ‘It was not for the Brits to decide if land of others was blissful or not. The British committed crimes against humanity, it enslaved millions and looted others left, right and centre. Never belittle the evil that it perpetrated on others.’.  Instead of understanding his error and even possibly apologising for his crass comments, he went on to tell me, ‘In that case you might more usefully ponder how it was that a few pasty-faced foreigners with bad clothes and hygiene managed to subdue the mighty Mughal armies, fabulously wealthy bankers of Bengal and Maratha warrior kingdoms – and hold them for 200 years’. 

I have to say I was dumbfounded. The ignorant buffoon was now blaming Indians for being enslaved. First by the Islamists, and then by the British. In effect saying that it’s not the fault of the aggressor, it’s the fault of the oppressed for getting invaded. It’s a bit like saying to a woman who has been raped, it’s not the fault of the rapist, it’s your fault for allowing it to happen. Can you imagine the outcry should anyone say anything like that? But when it comes to race and the subjugation of people, nations, and cultures – the white man still believes that they can do anything.

So here is my simple guide for these racists.  You are a racist if you:

• deny me my right to call out racism and racists
• deny my heritage and my history
• deny the genocide and ethnocide of my people
• deny my right as a Brit to call out inequalities in Britain
• deny my right to express the grief of my ancestors resulting from foreign occupation
• deny my right to demand that the truth about racists, racism and colonialism be told
• deny my right to demand restorative justice for crimes against humanity
• deny the historical evil perpetrated by Britain on nations globally
• deny my lived experience of facing racism and racists

Remember, just because you voted for Obama does not make you antiracist.  And likewise, just because you don’t vote for Rishi Sunak, does not make you a racist.

The real racists of today are far too clever, they are not skin heads wearing Doc Martins, today’s xenophobes are suited and booted. They will shake your hand, present a cheesy smile, and give you a hug, and then put a steel blade in your back.