EDITORIAL

The present volume illustrates the changing aspects of mountaineering and interest in mountains. Instead of concentrating only on climbing, which still remains a major focus, we have articles on a range of subjects - art and artist, surveyors, recording of new challenging peaks, suggestions for smaller treks and even a study of 'the Hump operations' over the Himalaya in World War II. J.C. Nanavati, appointed as Ombudsman by the Club, to study a claim of the ascent of Nilkanth by a Club-sponsored expedition has written about his findings. The climbs recorded here include Vasuki Parvat, Lampak, Tirsuli West, Annapurna Fang and many others.

Two years ago during the 80 th year celebrations of the Himalayan Club a meeting was held to put in place a plan of action in the field of environmental conservation. As a follow up, in August 2009, a seminar was held at Leh where some leading speakers were invited to talk about the various aspects of the subject. Dr Thomas Hornbein talked about his Everest climb and mountain medical research, Bernadette McDonald about the common thread running through all mountain cultures in the world, John Porter about his climbs, especially in the Eastern Karakoram and Dr T. Norbu about research related to high altitude. Much attention was paid to various aspects of the Siachen glacier and speakers included Kate Harris, Maj Gen (retd) Randhir Singh and me. HC has prepared a card, a booklet and a CD on how to keep well at altitudes - these were released at Leh and will be distributed widely. The enthusiasm generated at this gathering may lead to active participation of local people in the Ladakh chapter of HC.

The Himalayan Club Newsletter, published annually ceased publication - this is a move by the Club to save paper and adapt to the electronic age. Now a small section of the Newsletter is being added to the HJ and for current news, the E LETTER is sent at regular intervals.

As usual I have to thank authors and my team for this publication.

Happy Reading

Harish Kapadia