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Major Hari Pal Singh Ahluwalia (6 November 1936 – 14 January 2022) was a renowned Indian mountaineer, army officer, author, and social worker. He was one of the first Indians to successfully climb Mount Everest in 1965. Despite sustaining a spinal injury during the Indo-Pakistani War that left him wheelchair-bound, he dedicated his life to helping others, notably founding the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre in New Delhi. Ahluwalia is celebrated for his courage, resilience, and lifelong contributions to mountaineering and social service.
| Name | Major Hari Pal Singh Ahluwalia |
| Born | 6 November 1936 Sialkot, Punjab Province, |
| Died | 14 January 2022 |
| Alma mater | St. George’s College, MussoorieCollege of Military Engineering, Pune |
| Years active | 1995–2022 |
| Board member of | Ex-Chairman, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre |
| Awards | Padma BhushanPadma ShriArjuna Award |
H. P. S. Ahluwalia – Biography
Here is the detailed biography of H. P. S. Ahluwalia who made the whole of India proud due to his hard work and dedication. The biography of H. P. S. Ahluwalia is mentioned below under different categories such as early education and life, Mountaineering journey, achievements etc.
H. P. S. Ahluwalia Early Life and Education
- Hari Pal Singh Ahluwalia was born in 1936 on November 6, in Shimla, India.
- He grew up with his two younger brothers and two sisters. His father used to work as a civil engineer in the Indian Central Public Works department.
- His academic journey took him to St. Joseph’s Academy, Dehradun and St. George’s College, Mussoorie.
- This was the time when he realised his passion for rock climbing and photography.
H. P. S. Ahluwalia Military Career
- When he grew up he joined the Indian Army where he served his best.
- There he also got the promotion to higher ranks like lieutenant and captain.
- In 1965 Ahluwalia fought in a war and got hurt. Due to this injury, he left the army.
- He was given the special title – he got the honorary rank of major even though he left.
A Legend of Mountaineering
- Ahluwalia’s passion and love for climbing made him conquer the world’s most challenging peaks.
- Extensively he used to climb in Garhwal, Sikkim, Nepal, Ladakh, and most notably, Mount Everest.
- In 1965 Ahluwalia became one of the first Indians to summit Mount Everest. This historic achievement was a part of the 1965 Indian Everest Expedition.
Notable Achievements of H.P.S Ahluwalia
- Conquered Mount Everest: Ahluwalia was part of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest in 1965.
- Set Record: The expedition set a record for the highest number of Indian climbers at that time on the summit.
- Encouraged Mountaineering: Ahluwalia inspired many aspiring mountaineers in India through his remarkable achievements.
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Awards and Honours of H. P. S. Ahluwalia
Ahluwalia received many medals and awards nationally and internationally. All of the medals and awards received by the H.P.S Ahluwalia are mentioned below –
Medals received by H. P. S. Ahluwalia
- Samanya Seva Medal- Padma Bhushan
- Samar Seva Star – Padma Shri
- Raksha Medal
- Wound Medal
- 9 Years Long Service Medal
National Awards received by H.P.S Ahluwalia
- Padma Shri-1965
- Arjuna Award-1965
- Padma Bhushan-2002
- Relevant Reads
- Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for lifetime achievement-29 August 2009
- Order of the Khalsa (Nishan-e- Khalsa) Tercentenary of the Birth of Khalsa
- National Award for the Welfare of People with Disabilities-3 December 1998
International Awards received by H.P.S Ahluwalia
- FRGS – Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
- Fellowship conferred for significant contribution to studies and literature written on Environment and Adventure
- CONDOR-DE-ORO – A high Argentinian honour given for overall contribution to adventure writing/participation in Adventure Sports.
- World Health Initiative for Peace Award, 29 July 2013
- Advisor/Consultant to the Argentina Everest Expedition
Reason Behind the Death of H.P.S Ahluwalia
H.P.S Ahluwalia died at the age of 85 on January 14, 2022, as per the statement released by the centre. The reason for his death was cardiac arrest as per the New Jersey-based lobbyist Harry Singh Panaser said.
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FAQs
Major H.P.S Ahluwalia was an Indian mountaineer, social worker and author. He was best known for being part of the first successful Indian expedition to summit Mountain Everest in 1965.
The phrase “The Summit Within” refers to a concept articulated by Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and inner strength alongside physical achievements.
The cause of Ahluwalia’s death was reported as cardiac arrest. He died at the age of 85 on January 14, 2022.
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