Aurangabad, Jan 27:
Ambadas Gaikwad of Aurangabad and Atul Vasave of Nandurbar on Tuesday successfully overcame the adverse weather, gusty winds, steep climbs and falling snow to climb the highest peak in Africa mount Kilimanjaro and set a record for hoisting the tricolour.
The duo had left for Kilimanjaro on January 19. They both overcame a very difficult situation and hoisted the Indian tricolour on January 26 at 11.30 am after reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. "Their conquest will help spread the principles of freedom, equality, brotherhood and unity in the Indian constitution all over the world," said coach Anand Bansode. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in the African country of Tanzania located at 19,341 feet above sea level. Gaikwad has already conquered the Kangri summit in Leh. He has also taken scientific training in mountaineering. In the near future, Ambadas aims to reach the pinnacle of Europe and Australia. The campaign was organized by the 360 Explore Group.
First MIDC employee to do so
Ambadas Gaikwad is serving in Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) at Aurangabad. After losing his father at just 16 years old, he overcame a very difficult situation and started climbing. He is the first employee of MIDC to complete the Kilimanjaro summit. He has borrowed a loan for this campaign. Manisha Waghmare, who had earlier climbed Mount Everest, has also climbed Kilimanjaro.
On Republic Day, we were eager to hoist the Indian flag on the summit of Kilimanjaro. We are proud to have carried out this campaign in a very hostile environment. I now aim to reach the summits of Europe and Australia in the near future said, mountaineer Ambadas Gaikwad.