ON THE 50TH ISSUE

Jagdish C. Nanavati

The fiftieth issue of the Journal is a landmark in itself. From the first issue in 1929, The Himalayan Journal has come a long way. It was on 17th February 1928 that the Himalayan Club was founded. As an annual publication of the Club, the Himalayan Journal has appeared in 50 years out 'of 66 years of the Club's existence. The main interruption was occasioned by the World War II. However, in the last two decades the publication was regular. The credit for a record of fifty volumes goes to a host of keen editors — Kenneth Mason to Harish Kapadia — whose honorary work is tribute to the cause of the Club, which for years attracted such talents at its service.

It may be reiterated that the Himalayan Journal is not a commercial enterprise. It is truly supported by the members of the Club, though a large part of the print order finds its way to the mountaineering world at large through the official distributor. A large number of copies are distributed to the distinguished membership of the Club itself.

ItThe Journal over the years has acquired a stature of reliability, and records worthwhile events in the Himalayan mountaineering. It has addressed itself to keen mountaineers. It reflects the spirit of the Club and the men behind it, not only of the editorial personnel but the combined outlook of the Club's members. The Journal retains an objectivity, and when occasion demands, expresses itself without fear or favour.

ItAlthough the Club's objects span several aspects of the Himalaya such as 'promotion of science and literature and the diffusion of useful knowledge and in particular to encourage and assist Himalayan travel and exploration...', mountaineering activity occupies the most coverage in the Journal. Over the course of time many specialities have appeared in the Himalayan field and the Journal has tried to do justice to each within the resources available.

ItIt has excelled as a record of adventure in the Himalayan ranges, and could be counted amongst one of the best of the contemporary journals on the subject. But importantly the Journal has been received by its readers with certain enthusiasm as seen from numerous letters of appreciation received from time to time and the numerous reviews. This is the gratifying reward of those behind the production line.

ItThe Himalayan Journal has come a long way over the years. The hard work of many editors, contributors and members has helped the Journal reach where it has today. The road was long and hard. As the articles in, the present issue narrate, the Journal has faced many difficulties, raced threats of closure and survived for more than six decades. It is an adventure in itself, like the adventure it records.

ItIt will be the endeavour of the Club and the editorial team to carry on the good work in the years to come — the adventure will go on.

Jagdish C. Nanavati
President
The Himalayan Club

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