Keakong T was a Rope Commander and one of the Liaison officers in Nova Iter ’22 Expedition that recently summited Mt. Saramati, the highest Mountain in Nagaland. He shared his thoughts recorded in his field Diary that he maintained throughout the mysterious Nova Iter ’22 Expedition.
Leaves From Field Diary – Story Of Undefeated People From NOVA ITER ’22 Expedition
दरिया हो या पहाड़ हो टकराना चाहिए
जब तक न साँस टूटे जिए जाना चाहिए
~ NIDA FAZLI
It was just a regular, boring day in my life when I encountered the advertisement given by Tetso Mountaineering Club with an attractive title- “EXPLORERS WANTED”. My heartbeats started running rapidly. I was not sure whether I could ever be an explorer, but something deep inside was constantly telling me my whole life that if anything I really wanted to do is nothing but “To Explore the World and Myself”.
Except Dr. Aniruddha’s presence in my life as a Professor of Political Science, I also know him as a robust Man who rode his Royal Enfield to Noklak all alone from Dimapur last year in the cold month of December. I was there in Tuensang at that time, thinking of meeting and hosting him, but we both could not meet then. The same Man is a founder of Tetso Mountaineering Club, and that advertisement actually introduced me to the character of the club, its executives and its Founder.
I cleared the physical entrance test to become eligible for a Training for NOVA ITER”22 Mt Saramati Exploration and Climbing Expedition. I was also selected as a Rope Commander for Rope ‘Charlie’ and also as one of the Liaison Officers (because of my ability to speak Sangtam, Chang, Yimchunger languages with native fluency). I was really happy to see the team spirit of participants and their dedication to training and other team activities. The best part of the training which I did miss due to my University exams was the “Endurance March” that was routed from Tetso College Campus to Pimla village (to and fro around 60 KM).
It was interesting to observe how disciplined the entire expedition team was. We followed all instructions regarding our backpack and other things. A long list of items were issued to us by the Expedition Directorate and we made sure to include all of them for e.g. Twenty Meters standard climbing Rope, 24 KN Carabiners, Military Water bottle, Dao or Khukuri, Sleeping Bag, Mat, Head torch, Gloves, Warm clothes, Military Standard Boots, Medicines, Water purifying tablets, Compass, Whistle, Snake repellant etc. We were asked to prepare for seven to ten days of arduous journey through inhospitable and dangerous densely forested, snake infested mountain terrain of unknown nature.
Each of the Ropes and their Commanders also made sure that everyone was well equipped with the ration lasting for at least ten days. Our Expedition Directorate and executives issued us strict instructions regarding the ration which we followed. Total weight of our individual Expedition Haversack must have easily gone beyond Twenty KGs. We knew what we were going to do. WE WERE GOING TO CREATE A HISTORY. We were going to be the FIRST PEOPLE taking up the challenge to climb Mt. Saramati from an unconventional route.
The support that we have received from different people and agencies was encouraging. The ‘Fatherly’ role that the Indian Army played in our expedition as our back support system till the end was unforgettable. Our vision was noble. We wanted to explore Mt. Saramati from a different route i.e. through Khongijiri Village. The decision was taken in the best traditions of Mountaineering. We were not wrong, neither the Doctrine that we followed. However, what happened to us was a sheer tragedy. Despite all the positive steps, transparency and clearances our movement was opposed. Meanwhile, in the night I witnessed the Expedition Commander trying to seek assistance from his ‘higher contacts’ to facilitate securing “Free Passage” for NOVA ITER”22 to Mt. Saramati from Khongjiri. TMC President Tumchobemo and Vice President Vekhrope were actively assisting him. I was in constant touch with local leaders and village authorities throughout the challenging time as Liaison Officer, official mediator and translator. We four together saw HELL that night, but we remained strong.
Strange turn of events created chaos in our formations. However, our Expedition Commander and other Officers maintained their cool and calm throughout the episode. Bombardment of accusations against officials and the Expedition Commander was so severe that at one point of time I thought the expedition would be wrapped up and everyone would be ordered to march back. However, that was not the case. Looking at the ground reality and emotions of expedition members, the decision was taken to summit Mt. Saramati from regular route from Thanamir village. However with this decision the basic purpose for which we trained and prepared ourselves got defeated.
So who defeated our purpose? We were strong, Our Leaders were bravehearts, we were fully ready to face the wrath of nature but I think we were not prepared to face the ignorance and insecurities of Man. We never got a chance to prove our metal. In our final briefing at Khongjiri, the Expedition Commander showed us the route with his hand. That was an emotional moment for all. Everything was right there in front of us. Our Expedition Commander who was standing straight looking deep at us was briefing loudly at the sunset, his serious voice echoing in the booming wind and there was a new route (NOVA ITER) right behind him.
After our final briefing we started preparing to move to Thanamir. We were given send off by the members of village council of Khongjiri village who during the discussion cleared the air of suspicion and doubts which helped everyone understand the reality, this is how the misunderstandings among members was cleared, team spirit came back and Expedition Commander, Rope Commanders and Liaison Officers were exonerated from accusations. However, our misfortune continued. During our journey to Thanamir, one of our vehicles met with an accident. Nobody got injured nor hospitalization required. With the involvement of Nagaland Police the matter was professionally handled and we found our way to the village.
Everyone was dead tired with anger in mind. With this anger, climbers decided to attempt a climb to the top which obviously was long but far easy in comparison with what we were attempting from Khongjiri. Two guides from the village were appointed and the third guide was our own expedition member who climbed Mt. Saramati from Thanamir route four times; Lunkhum C Khiungru who also was appointed as a Liaison Officer because of his local roots. Thanamir Route was actually a well-marked cake walk without any challenge or hazard. It was just a simple but long and somewhat mentally challenging hike.
Nova Iter”22 Expedition Team, on 17th March, 2022 at 6.45 HRS completed one of its objectives by reaching the top of Mt. Saramati and proudly hoisting the Tricolour Flag of our country, TMC Banner and Tetso College Flag on the highest point of Nagaland.
What did I learn from this Expedition? I discovered a leader in me. I watched how the Expedition Commander successfully handled dangerous situations and sailed the Expedition Team of Forty Five through the troubled waters safely. I saw how Rope Commanders showed their leadership skills and character. While preparing for departures, Expedition Commander and I had an extremely tough time booking Bus tickets and preparing schedules. We prepared hundreds of plans and canceled them, but made sure everyone goes back safely to their homes. That was our first priority as leaders. We suffered, got humiliated but did not let ‘mates’ suffer. I was leading the First team departure and the Expedition Commander decided to stay back with his team of two executives-the President and Secretary General and eight members to make sure everything ends well. President Tumchobemo Kithan returned all the Tents and other items that Nova Iter“22 received from the Indian Army.
We set for our Expedition as one unit, with one identity and we came back the same. Our Tribal/social identities disappeared the moment we became part of this glorious expedition. Tetso Mountaineering Club has no space for any Politics, Tribalism, Regionalism, Religionism or any other ism, we value human spirit, defend humanism and stand for humanity- the eternal values enshrined in our Constitution of India.
Mountaineering success is never an individual achievement, it is a Team achievement. In our small world of Mountaineers we don’t have Heroes, but we have stories of Raw Courage and Heroics which I witnessed during exploits of NOVA ITER”22.
My name is Keakong T, people call me Alex, that is my identity and I am proud to be a member of NOVA ITER”22 Expedition wherein I saw UNDEFEATED PEOPLE rising to glory. I AM THE WITNESS!
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Aienla A, Rinsit B Sareo, Meren Lemtur and Kvulo Lorin.
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