CORRESPONDENCE

To
The Editor, The Himalayan Journal

Nandini Ji,

At the outset I apologize for the delay in writing due to my being away. I thank you for publishing my article in The Himalayan Journal Volume 71 (p. 175 - 185). But I am however a little surprised to note that the significant spelling mistake has been overlooked which has thrown a cloud of confusion on that article of our exploratory venture.

Foremost, the title of my account, 'Journey through Eastern Girthi and Janti Gad Valley of Garhwal' has been incorrectly printed in contents (No .15) as well as in article (P .175). To be precise, the proper noun 'Janti' has been wrongly published as 'Jainti' repeatedly in the different segments (P.176, para - 3; P.182 heading at the top of para 2; P.183, para 3 & 4; P.184, summary) of the text. Whereas the fundamental spelling 'Janti' remained correct and proper on the accompanying map (P. 177) and on the photograph (P.184).

Lastly the spelling ' Pratim ' of my name also stands as ' Prathim ' a printing mistake at the bottom of the article (P.185) where I have been introduced as the author.

So I kindly request you for the publication of errata in the next volume 72 to remove doubts and confusion from readers’ minds.

With best regards,
Partha Pratim Mitra

January 10, 2017

To
The Editor, The Himalayan Journal

Dear Madam,

Kinner Kailash-Jorkanden- Correction of Records

Kalpa, Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh, offers a spectacular view of many peaks. This view has been admired for generations. One can see the pillar of Kailash, Kinner Kailash peak, Jorkanden (highest in the range) and Raldang. Some confusion in identifying the peaks seems to have occurred. Jorkanden peak has been identified as Saro Peak (6080 m) which cannot be observed from Kalpa. Also, there have been confusing markings on Google earth pictures as well.

During my recent visit to Shimla, I had detailed discussions with Deepak Sanan, who was District Commissioner of Kalpa for several years. We were able to obtain the latest maps. Much information had been shared by Prof. Masato Oki and Reiko Terasawa of Japan to whom I am thankful.

The following details in the photo, sketch and sketch map is to establish correct identification. All pictures and maps in the past Himalayan Journals should be corrected as per this identification.

Haish Kapadia,
Editor Emeritus
The Himalayan Journal

⇑ Top

To
The Editor,
The Himalayan Journal

Dear Editor,

I recently read the book Soldier Mountaineer by Col. N. Kumar and co-authored by Col. N N Bhatia. Col. N. Kumar, one of India’s leading soldier-mountaineers, recalls his expeditions to Kangchenjunga (from east) and Nanda Devi amongst many other historic expeditions.

However, I was extremely disappointed to read his comments about his expedition to Nilkanth in 1961 - his Achilles Heel. He gives full details of the trip and the summit to narrate his view. However, his uncharitable comments on p.107 in the Nanda Devi 1964 chapter need to be challenged.

About his ascent of Nilkanth in 1961, he writes, “A huge controversy followed as some rich Bombayite chairborne mountaineers questioned the climb”. (bold mine)

The author is referring to the late Jagdish Nanavati, President Emeritus of the Himalayan Club and his study of the 1961 Nilkanth summit attempt. His classic study Is Nilkanth Unclimbed?, conclusively proved (even without any photographs available), that the true summit was not reached by the 1961 expedition. This study is available in the library of the Himalayan Club, and parts of it have been published in Himalayan Journal Vol. 41 in his article ‘Mountain Photo Orientation’ (available online at www.himalayanclub.org search in the Himalayan Journal Vol. 41)

This study is exhaustive and it stirred the Indian Mountaineering Foundation to appoint an enquiry which agreed to the fact that the ascent cannot be conclusively proved and recommended another expedition to Nilkanth the following year, which never took place. The international community, led by the Alpine Club and the Himalayan Club accepted the doubts about reaching the true summit of Nilkanth in 1961.

For Jagdish Nanavati, his meticulous study, dedication and pursuit of truth in the love of mountains were his true riches.

Harish Kapadia
Editor Emeritus, Himalayan Journal

⇑ Top