Awards

Kekoo Naoroji was an active member of The Himalayan Club. When the Himalayan Club moved its headquarters to Mumbai, Kekoo was its first Secretary in 1971; its Vice President from 1983 – 85; and for seven years thereafter was President of the Club. He took his responsibilities of helping to strengthen and consolidate Club activities seriously and his business experience enabled him bring a very pragmatic and sound sense to all the Committee dealings.

He passed away quietly on 17th December 2003  and in 2005, the Himalayan Club in association with Naoroji family and Godrej Industries set up a book award for the best literature on the Himalaya, published during the year. The book award instituted in his name is for a book published in the prescribed period and relating to different aspects of the Himalaya such as mountains, mountaineering, people, culture, environment, politics and any other related topics.

Jagdish C. Nanavati, President Emeritus of the Himalayan Club, devoted much of his life to The Himalayan Club. He meticulously analysed many expeditions, studying them carefully and challenging what he discovered as false claims. He made it his mission to promote good planning, execution and reporting of Indian expeditions in a professional way. A special Award Jagdish C. Nanavati Award for Excellence in Mountaineering has been instituted in his memory, which is managed by the Himalayan Club and funded by the Nanavati family.

Jagdish C. Nanavati, President Emeritus of The Himalayan Club, from his earliest mountaineering years took keen interest with support staff on expeditions and treks. Back in the 60s and 70s he invited Sherpas to conduct climbing courses in Mumbai, thus encouraging youngsters to rock climb back then. He was very keen on their welfare and supported many persons through various schemes run by the Club and also through Nanavati family trusts.

A Gold Medal, The Himalayan Club Jagdish C. Nanavati Garud Gold Medal, for outstanding support staff has been instituted in his memory, which is managed by The Himalayan Club and funded by the Nanavati family.

At a Committee meeting of the Eastern Section of the Himalayan Club on 6th February 1939 it was decided to create a superior grade for experienced climbing porters, and to give them 8 annas (50 paise or half a rupee) a day extra pay beyond the rate paid to others, for work above the snow-line. It was suggested that these men should be given the name of ‘Tigers’, together with a badge representing a Tiger’s head. A year after the 1939 decision was taken The Himalayan Journal published a list of the first recipients of the TIGER badge.