In the teeth-rattling cold of Pabbar Valley, I learned that slow and steady wins the race. Friends, let me tell you a story about that.
In May 2013 when Delhi heat was killing people, I decided to discover Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. I am standing among the Himalayan flowers in the beautiful Pabbar Valley where you can almost hear the green grass growing. The snowcapped mountains and the music of the Pabbar river were welcoming us with open arms. We started the expedition from the height of 1800mts. and we were still in the village of Pabbar Valley.
On the first day, we had to cover 8 km and attain a height of 2500 mts. We were in the village called Janglik. The wind was chilly. I was covered from head to toe and looked like a walking pillow. But I was determined to scale those dizzy heights. Despite being the only girl to qualify I was a bit apprehensive. But our leader Nipun motivated me to keep moving on.
To every Ram there has to be a Ravan. The Ravan in this story was Swammy. He was the mess secretary for that expedition, and for some reason, had a huge problem with my height. He kept bullying me calling “bitti”, “piddi” means shortest of the short. He would ask me if we should get a porter not just to carry my stuff, but for me too. He mocked me by asking me why I keep sitting down to pray every time. He scolded me so many times saying that I will be the reason for my team failure. That was really demotivating for me. I almost lost my confidence to move further. But I had made one promise to myself that this expedition is not going to be canceled because of me.
During the training, I used to be the last one. But your running position doesn’t decide how fit you are. You need to plan your own strategy to improve your performance. One promise I made to myself was not to compete with others but with myself. I will compete to be the better version of myself each day. Nipun, the former army man whose vigorous training of 20 long days not only made us strong but also determined to achieve our goal. He formed a team of 13 boys and a girl with a different set of skills. He believed that I am determined and I could achieve my dream.
My dream of sitting on the green grass with flowers around me, snow-covered mountains, and the sun rising from behind those mountains. These natural beauties and all my dreams coming true encouraged me. I became more focused.
Finally, the D- day came. The day we were going to cross the pass. The weather didn’t support us and the result was team failure. We had to tent in the snow in -8 degree Celsius at the height of 4200mts. No one slept that night and the following morning no one had their proper breakfast. Everyone was sad and demotivated except for the guide. I came up with game, throwing food in each other’s mouth and those who will eat more will get chocolate from Nipun. We all played this game for 1 hour and then we started climbing after warm up. I was made to stand on the first position thinking that I will be the last. I decided that I will not stop in between till I reach the top. I started from first position and reached the Gunass Pass attaining the height of 5000mts. in 6 hours. Guess what, I was still at the first position when I reached the Pass. I enjoyed the mesmerizing scenic view of Sangla Vallley and the undiscovered lake at that height while waiting for my fellow climber Swamy who was the last to reach the Pass.
Friends, your determination and focus will help you to achieve your goal. You need to plan your own strategy to be the winner of your own race. Once you decide, I’ll not fail. No matter how slow and steady you are, your heart and mind will follow it.
