Jamshedpur: For most mountaineers, the journey to a Himalayan summit begins with a dream, months of training and a hunt for the right gear. For Shekhar Gope and Dhiroj Kumhar, both completely visually impaired, it began in remote West Singhbhum villages where even navigating everyday life was once a challenge.Shekhar, 24, a resident of Todanhatu, and Dhiroj, 23, from Kadajamda, grew up with limited access to resources and opportunities. Even white canes were difficult to obtain, leaving them dependent on others for many routine activities.Their lives began to change after they joined Sabal, Tata Steel Foundation’s disability-inclusion initiative, in 2022. They learnt Braille, independent living and mobility skills, and how to use smartphones and access digital information. Each new skill brought greater confidence and self-reliance.Already members of Jharkhand’s blind football team, the two friends set themselves a bigger challenge when they were selected for an expedition to Dzo Jongo peak, which rises around 20,000 ft in Ladakh.Before heading to the Himalayas, they trained in the Dalma Hills to build stamina, endurance and mental resilience. The expedition, held from Aug 25 to 31, tested them against Ladakh’s thin air, freezing temperatures and rugged terrain.Shekhar went on to scale the summit. Dhiroj reached the 16,732-ft-high base camp but had to abandon the final ascent because of health concerns.For the two young men, however, the expedition was about more than reaching a geographical milestone. Their climb showed how access to training and opportunities can help people overcome barriers that once appeared insurmountable.Their achievement is a testament to determination, inclusion and resilience, Tata Steel said in a statement issued Sunday.
