The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), the country's only organization dedicated to mountain tourism and environmental preservation, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 50th anniversary today. The Golden Jubilee ceremony, held at the Army Officer’s Club in Bhadrakali, was a grand affair, attended by national and international dignitaries.
The ceremony was inaugurated by the Rt. Honorable President of Nepal, Mr. Ramchandra Poudel. Notable figures including the First Lady, Ms. Savita Poudel, the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Mr. Sudan Kirati, the President of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), Mr. Peter Muir, and the President of the Union of Asian Alpine Associations (UAAA), Mr. In-Jeong Lee, graced the occasion. Delegates from the UAAA General Assembly 2023, high-level government officials, including Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, and representatives of various Nepali security agencies were also present.
Rt. Honorable President Poudel honored several individuals with awards and letters of appreciation:
Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah Adventurous Award: Mr. Mingma Sherpa
Dr. Harka Gurung Mountaineering Award: Mr. Nima Rinji Sherpa
Dawa Norbu Mountaineering Journalism Award:
Female: Ms. Phurpa Sherpa
Male: Madhu Jung Pandey
Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Award: Ms. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa ‘Akita’
Posthumous Award: Late. Tenjen Sherpa
UAAA Sherpa of the Year Award: Ms. Dawa Yangzum Sherpa
The NMA also posthumously recognized the late Tenjen Sherpa, a Guinness World record holder climber who tragically lost his life in an avalanche accident on Shishapangma. Tenjen, along with Kristina Harila of Norway, had achieved the Guinness World record for conquering all 14 of the world's 8000ers in just 92 days. President Poudel handed over a dummy cheque of 5 lakhs to Tenjen's family members in honor of his remarkable achievement.
In addition, Rt. Honorable President Poudel, on behalf of the NMA, presented letters of appreciation to various tourism-related organizations, national and international personalities, government service agencies, and security organizations that have supported the NMA over its 50-year journey of promoting and safeguarding the mountains.
Tourism umbrella organizations;
TAAN
HAN
NATTA
HRA
NARA
EOA
Other organizations and Personalities,
Dr. In-Jeong Lee, President, UAAA
Peter Muir, President UIAA
Civil Service of Nepal
Nepal Army
Nepal Police
Armed Police Force
WWF Nepal
ICIMOD
Lisa Choegyal
Dr. Ganesh Gurung
Mr. Ang Tshering Sherpa
Ms. Kalpana Maharjan
Ms. Purnima Shrestha
Mr. Santa Bir Lama
Mr. Zimba Zangbu Sherpa
Mr. Tashi Jangbu Sherpa
Mr. Tadao Kanzaki, Japan
Mr. Ken Hiroe
The Nippon Foundation, Japan
Central Executive Board of NMA
Mr. Cho Jin Hoo, South Korea
The Rt. The Honorable President also launched the Golden Jubilee special issue of Nepal Parbat. Rt. Honorable President Poudel applauded the NMA's efforts in advancing Nepal's mountain tourism, despite financial constraints, and urged the government to assign the NMA with more responsibilities. He stated, “The Nepal Mountaineering Association's role in the realm of mountain tourism remains commendable, and I strongly recommend that the Government of Nepal and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation intensify their support for the development and promotion of our mountain tourism.”
Honorable Minister Sudan Kirati emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating global warming, given the impact of climate change on Nepal's mountains and the natural disasters it triggers. He encouraged collective efforts to make a positive difference.
NMA President Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa pledged to continue the association's work in promoting mountain tourism in Nepal. He expressed his gratitude to all who have contributed to the NMA's growth, stating, “We will continue to excel in our duties in the days to come, as the NMA celebrates its 50th anniversary today.”
Before the ceremony in the Army officer’s Club at Bhadrakali, a morning procession was organized, commencing from the NMA Secretariat Nagpokhari Naxal. The procession was attended by NMA members, both national and international guests, climbers, and other members. Additionally, members from various indigenous communities actively participated in the rally, adorned in their traditional attire.
- 5oth NMA Day 50th Anniversary of Nepal Mountaineering Association Golden Jubilee of Nepal Mountaineering Association NMA
