Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is set to become the first varsity in the country to have its flag fly on the world's highest mountain - thanks to veteran Everest climber T. Ravichandran.

"In (the years) 2006 and 2007 I flew the Malaysian flag on top of Everest, but this it's special because I will be flying the UPM flag," the Agribusiness Degree holder from the Serdang university told reporters after attending the flag handing ceremony in campus yesterday.

The 57-year-old Ravichandran will leave for Nepal this coming Friday as part of the 'UPM in the Top of the World @ Everest" mission, and he and his teammates are expected to begin the ascent during the May window.

Although he has already summitted Everest twice previously, Ravichandran said thorough training and preparation was still needed, as the weather could pose last-minute challenges.

As part of the training, the team will climb mountains in Nepal before embarking on the final mission.

It is worth noting that local mountaineer N. Elanghovan, 64, will be a member of Ravichandran's Everest expedition.

If he succeeds, the retired Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) employee will be among the oldest among the two dozen Malaysians who have summitted Everest.

Good luck Ravichandran and team. May you all succeed in the mission and make the country, and UPM, proud!


Source: Bernama
Photo source: Bernama, Malay Mail