Arun Samant Memorial Lecture

Arun Samant, a structural engineer (MTech Mumbai IIT) by profession, was well known in mountaineering circles for well-planned expeditions to unexplored Himalayan regions, and climbs of un-attempted Himalayan peaks. During almost 30 years, he climbed more than 25 major peaks, led climbing expeditions to Spiti valley, Lingti valley and others and participated in the first civilian – India British Expedition to Siachen Glacier (1985). He has documented his expeditions and has published articles in the Himalayan Journal and Alpine Journal. These serve as authentic reference materials for mountaineers world-wide. His contribution in finally making The Tata Everest India 98 Expedition a success is acknowledged by all those who were involved in that particular project.

As treasurer and then secretary of The Himalayan Club, he devoted his energy and talent to the service of the Club. He sketched maps for articles of the Himalayan Journal, and books such as Trek the Sahyadri and Exploring the Hidden Himalaya. He was always accessible and ready to guide and encourage young mountaineers about to embark on their maiden ventures. His own preference in the last few years of his life tended more towards small expeditions to areas with untapped potential, like the Losar, Lingti and Chango valleys. And during the course of these trips he flowered and matured to his full potential as a leader, a mountaineer, a photographer and a writer. Many issues of The Himalayan Journal would be that much poorer without his meticulously executed sketch maps that accompanied many of the articles.

His warmth, generosity and commitment to projects he was involved in, were qualities which endeared him to all those who came in contact with him.

So, during the 75th anniversary celebrations of The Himalayan Club, in consultation with Arun’s wife Geeta, the Club decided to start this series, in memory of Arun. Ever since 2004 this has given a great platform for Indian mountaineers to present their mountaineering attempts and interact with each other.