The 80th Year Celebrations of The Himalayan Club, Mumbai section, began on 8th February with members from many parts of the world and Mumbai, climbing and trekking in Pachmarhi Hills (Madhya Pradesh, Central India). The five-day excursion was full of activities and leisure. Some went on long walks, others watched birds and yet others climbed but all got together in the evening to explore Pachmarhi bazaar for authentic food. Of course, there were rocks and more rocks to climb and so Mark Richey with Vinay Hegde climbed many long pitches, joined by Rajesh Gadgil. The surprise was George Band, all of 79 years. He inspired all with his climbing skills and enthusiasm - age has not mellowed him at all !

Back in Mumbai, the Annual General Meeting on 15th February 2008 saw a good turn out of members from India and abroad, many of them very senior members of the Club. There were discussions on current activities and an exchange of ideas for the future of the club. Divyesh Muni, after praiseworthy work for more than a decade as Hon. Secretary retired, handing over reins to Vijay Crishna.

On the morning of Saturday, 16th February, guests were given a special cruise of the Mumbai harbour, starting at the Gateway of India. Dr. Ravi Mariwala, (Member of the Managing Committee and a sailor) enlightened all present on the sights and islands near Mumbai. This was followed by a meeting at the Indian Merchants’ Chambers (our co-sponsors) where Aamir Ali (Hon. Member of HC) and Juerg Meyer made valuable suggestions for the protection of the Himalaya.

The main event was inaugurated by leading industrialist, Mr. Adi Godrej, on the evening of 16th February 2008. Harish Kapadia made a short presentation on the history and activities of the Himalayan Club. One of the senior-most members of the Club Trevor Braham, (author, explorer and editor) delivered a talk Himalayan Playground covering history of the Club from 1946. Mark Richey (former President of the American Alpine Club, and a leading climber) delivered the ‘Kaivan Mistry Memorial Lecture’ talking about his climbs in the Karakorams, especially Latok I. The film Americans on Everest was also screened. Nawang Gombu, (holder of the Tiger Badge of the Club) who had climbed to the summit on this expedition, was present. A book on Nawang Gombu’s life, compiled by his daughter was released in presence of his family.

That evening, a grand dinner was held at the Yacht Club. It was a unique gathering with most senior members mixing with the young.

The 80th birthday of HC to the day dawned on 17th February 2008. The morning began with a screening of the film Beyond Everest documenting late Sir Edmund Hillary’s invaluable work for the Sherpa community. Juerg Meyer, environment specialist from the Swiss Alpine Club, delivered a talk entitled Role-model for environment protection of the Himalaya. This was followed by a talk SUMMIT : 150 years of the Alpine Club by George Band, a senior British mountaineer and author and Hon. Member of the HC), a lecture filled with humour and historic pictures.

Tamotsu Nakamura, the famous Japanese explorer was next, speaking on his explorations in Southeast Tibet. The climax of the celebrations was a talk by Mark Richey. Called My Hardest Climb, it covered stupendous wall climbing accompanied by pictures that were as stunning.

As it should be at every such gathering, the mingling of young members with the historical personalities of Club was of prime essence. And thus ended the birthday party – guests satisfied with climbing, trekking, cruising, lectures, discussions and as always, good food - the mainstay of all celebrations!