Did Punjab Police Officer Reach the Himalayan Summit?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gurjot Singh Kaler achieved a remarkable feat by summiting Shinkun East Peak.
- The campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh” aims to combat drug abuse.
- Collaborative efforts with the Department of Health and Family Welfare are vital.
- The climb showcased the resilience and dedication of Punjab Police.
- Awareness and community empowerment are essential in the fight against addiction.
Manali, July 22 (NationPress) In an extraordinary achievement, the Punjab Police's Senior Superintendent of Police Gurjot Singh Kaler has successfully summited the stunning Shinkun East Peak (6,080 metres) in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh. At this pinnacle, he raised the Tricolour and hoisted a banner for a drug abuse campaign aimed at motivating the youth to combat addiction and embrace a culture of sports.
Facing severe high-altitude challenges, treacherous glaciers, and steep snowfields, the ascent involved a demanding 1,500-metre vertical climb in just one day—an endeavor that tested both physical stamina and mental fortitude.
From the summit, Kaler communicated via phone with IANS on Tuesday, stating that he not only raised the Indian national flag but also showcased a banner representing an essential social message, part of the collaborative effort between Punjab Police and the Department of Health and Family Welfare in their ongoing battle against drug abuse.
The initiative, titled “Yudh Nashian Virudh”, is designed to enhance public awareness and empower communities towards creating a drug-free Punjab.
“This summit represented more than just a personal achievement. It served as a symbolic declaration that we will relentlessly pursue the fight against drugs, both in society and in spirit,” Kaler expressed. “The presence of the Tricolour and campaign banner at 6,000 metres symbolizes our dedication to a drug-free Punjab.”
The climb was executed with the technical expertise and safety measures provided by qualified instructors from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali, under the leadership of Director Avinash Negi.
Kaler acknowledged the instructors' contributions—Ludar Singh, Desh Raj, Bhag Singh, Dina Nath, Bhuvi, and Frady—who were instrumental in planning the route, providing safety briefings, and navigating high-altitude terrains, ensuring a safe and successful climb.
Although a larger team participated in the expedition, a photograph taken at the summit features a core group of six climbers proudly holding the Tricolour and campaign banner, delivering a message of determination, unity, and hope from one of India’s highest peaks.
Kaler emphasized that this accomplishment reflects the spirit of Punjab Police officers who transcend their duties—safeguarding the community on the ground while also advocating from the highest heights for a cause that impacts every family.
Earlier this year, Kaler also summited Mount Elbrus, the tallest peak in Russia and Europe, where he raised the Tricolour at its summit.
Kaler, a trained mountaineer, received accolades as the top climber during his Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
This achievement is particularly remarkable considering Mount Elbrus stands at 5,642 metres (18,510 feet) above sea level.
The campaign against drugs, “Yudh Nashian Virudh”, directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to eradicate drug issues in the state, marked 142 days of action on Monday, resulting in the arrest of 22,854 drug traffickers by the Punjab Police.