The ceremony was graced by two distinguished guests: Apoorv Om, an award-winning hearing and speech-impaired artist and activist, and Rita Mathur, affectionately known as the “Trekker Granny.” Their presence added an inspiring dimension to the occasion, underscoring the message that adventure knows no limits of ability or age.

Apoorv Om, a National Youth Awardee and Fit India Ambassador was celebrated for his remarkable achievement of completing a two-week specialized adventure and survival skills course at HMI. Despite his impairments, Apoorv demonstrated extraordinary determination, participating in activities such as rock climbing and other team-building exercises.

In his address, delivered through a sign language interpreter, Apoorv expressed profound gratitude to HMI Principal Group Captain Jai Kishan and the dedicated instructors for their innovative approach and unwavering support.

The event also honored the achievements of Rita Mathur who was the chief guest of the event, a 69-year-old trekking enthusiast whose exploits include scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, completing the Annapurna Circuit, and trekking to Everest Base Camp. As the Chief Guest, Rita shared her journey of defying age stereotypes and emphasized the importance of fitness and environmental stewardship in adventure.

Group Captain Jai Kishan, Principal of HMI, presented the graduation badges to the BIPARD participants, marking their successful completion of the rigorous course. He also handed over tokens of appreciation to Apoorv Om and Rita Mathur, recognizing their exceptional contributions to promoting inclusivity and adventure sports.

In his address, the Principal praised the graduates for their perseverance and urged them to carry forward the lessons of resilience and teamwork into their future endeavors.

The BIPARD graduation ceremony was not just a celebration of technical mountaineering skills but also a platform to spotlight the power of inclusion and determination. The event concluded with the message, “May you climb from peak to peak,” symbolizing the limitless opportunities that await those with the courage to explore.

The inspiring stories of Apoorv Om and Rita Mathur left an indelible mark on attendees, reminding all that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary achievements when supported by vision, dedication, and an inclusive environment.

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