The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM & WS) successfully concluded its 150th Basic Mountaineering Course. The course, which began on 25 July, saw the participation of 88 trainees from across the country, with 81 completing the rigorous training. Seven trainees were unable to complete the course due to medical issues and family commitments.
The training was divided into two phases: Snow & Ice Craft at Thajiwas Glacier and Rock Craft at the High Altitude Warfare School’s rock craft area. The curriculum covered essential mountaineering skills such as rope work, bouldering, climbing, rappelling, and high-altitude trekking, along with lectures on mountain safety and avalanche rescue. Competitions in endurance, climbing, and obstacles were also held, with awards presented to outstanding participants.
Awards were given in several categories:
Best in Technique: Ms. Karin Laske and Ms. Kabita Suresh Botale (Girls); Jitukumar Vallabhbhai and Sven Charles Marzello (Boys).
Best in Endurance: Ms. Pallavi Gurung (Girls); Dharmeshbhai Babubha Chauhan (Boys). Best Student: Sven Charles Murzello.
Consolation prizes were awarded to 11 trainees, including Anoushka Banerjee, Sumana Debnath, and Abhishek Ramola, among others.
Colonel Hem Chandra Singh, Principal of JIM & WS, presided over the graduation ceremony as the chief guest, congratulating the awardees and commending the instructors and staff for their dedication and the successful completion of the course.
