CITATION BY PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

PATRON’S MEDAL

HARISH KAPADIA

(RGS Archives)

President of The Royal Geographical Society, Sir Ron Cooke (right) presenting the 'Patron's Medal' to Harish Kapadia on 2 June 2003.

(Savita Apte)

Harish Kapadia with Patron's Medal at the RGS, London

HARISH KAPADIA has made a unique contribution to our knowledge of the Himalaya: as editor of the Himalayan Journal, one of the most authoritative and comprehensive records of exploratory activity in the Himalaya; through his numerous guide books and as a leader and organizer of countless expeditions over the years. He has been assistant editor and then editor of the Himalayan Journal since 1978 and has consistently improved both its content and its production. His guidebook and works on the Himalaya are erudite and practical, skillfully combining historical, geographical and practical guidance to increase our understanding of the region.

As an expedition leader, he has initiated a series of joint expeditions with climbers from United Kingdom, France, Japan and the United States to explore and climb throughout the Indian Himalaya. The quality of exploration and the full and detailed reports that he has issued have provided superb background information about these areas.

Furthermore, Harish has been a tireless campaigner for the resolution of the Kashmir conflict through the Saichen Peace Park initiative in the Karakoram region. He is an outstanding modern explorer in the finest traditions of the great Himalayan pioneers.

It is most fitting, that this year, in which we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Everest, we honour Harish Kapadia. On behalf of the Society’s Council, I have great pleasure asking Mr. Kapadia to receive our Patron’s Medal for contributions to geographical discovery and mountaineering in the Himalaya.

Professor Sir Ron Cooke, Dsc

President,
The Royal Geographical Society

2nd June 2003

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