Indian climber dies while descending from Mt Everest summit point: Report
Kathmandu, May 16 (PTI): A 45-year-old Indian climber died on Mt Everest after showing signs of altitude sickness while descending from the summit point of the world's highest peak, according to a media report on Friday.
The deceased climber has been identified as Subrata Ghosh from West Bengal. Ghosh is the second foreigner to die on the 8,848.86 metres-high Mt Everest this season, The Himalayan Times newspaper reported.
Bodhraj Bhandari, Managing Director at Snowy Horizon Treks, said that Ghosh died just below the Hillary Step, near the summit point of Mt Everest on Saturday, according to the paper.
Ghosh was late in making his summit push and reached the top with his guide around 2 pm, the paper said.
During the descent, he became exhausted and showed signs of altitude sickness, eventually refusing to continue, he said.
"Ghosh refused to move while descending from the summit," Bhandari quoted Champal Tamang, his guide, as saying.
Champal returned to Camp IV late last night and informed about the incident this morning, he added.
Ghosh was part of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar–Snowy Everest Expedition 2025, the paper said.
Efforts are underway to bring his body to the base camp, Bhandari said.
Earlier, 45-year-old Philipp II Santiago from the Philippines died while preparing for the summit push on May 14.
So far, over 50 climbers have successfully reached the peak this season. More than 450 climbers have been granted permits to attempt the ascent.
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UAE-based Indian doctor Shamsheer Vayalil announces Rs 6 crore aid for Air India crash victims
Dubai, Jun 17 (PTI): UAE-based Indian doctor and philanthropist Dr Shamsheer Vayalil has announced Rs 6 crore in financial aid for the families of medical students and doctors affected by the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last week.
The ill-fated aircraft struck the BJ Medical College's Atulyam hostel complex during lunch hour, reducing student residences and the dining hall to rubble.
All but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8(AI 171) and another 29 persons, including five MBBS students, on the ground were killed when the London-bound aircraft crashed, moments after it took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Announcing the relief from the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, Dr Shamsheer, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings and managing director of VPS Health, said he was deeply shaken when he saw the aftermath of the crash.
As someone who had lived in similar hostels during his medical education at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore and Sri Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai, the images struck a chord, he said.
“I saw the footage from the mess and the hostel, and it truly shook me. It reminded me of the places I once called home, the corridors, the beds, the laughter, the pressure of exams, and the anticipation of a call from family,” he said.
“No one expects a commercial aircraft to come crashing into that world,” he added.
“Those students started the day thinking about lectures, assignments, and patients. Their lives ended in a way none of us could ever imagine. It hit close. Too close,” he said.
Dr Shamsheer’s relief package includes Rs 1 crore for each of the four deceased students’ families, Rs 20 lakh each for five seriously injured students, and Rs 20 lakh each for the families of doctors who lost loved ones.
The financial assistance will be delivered in coordination with the Junior Doctors’ Association at BJ Medical College, ensuring that those in need receive support swiftly.
This is not the first time Dr Shamsheer has responded to such a crisis. In 2010, following the Mangalore air crash, he provided financial assistance and employment opportunities to affected families at Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare provider in the Middle East.
