PUNE: Defying physical limitations and brutal weather, Sameer Deshmukh, a city-based IT professional with disability, conquered the Everest Base Camp trek at 17,598 feet on April 14 – a stunning testament to his resilience and grit.Enduring sub-zero temperatures plunging below -10°C, Deshmukh triumphed over treacherous terrain and his own disability. A resident of Aundh, Deshmukh was part of a six-member group of differently-abled trekkers who completed the expedition with the support of a Goa-based organisation, Tinkesh Ability Foundation.The journey holds deeper significance for Deshmukh, whose life changed dramatically after a near-fatal accident during a bike expedition in Ladakh in August 2024. “I was leading a team of 17 bikers when my bike was hit by a heavy vehicle. I was then run over by an SUV. It was a serious accident and I was admitted to an ICU in a private hospital in Srinagar. I regained consciousness only after 10 days,” Deshmukh said while talking to TOI over the phone from Nepal.Owing to the severity of his injuries, his right leg had to be amputated below the knee. Recalling his journey to recovery and beyond, Deshmukh said the thought of pursuing his long-cherished dream of reaching the Everest Base Camp came back to him soon after he regained consciousness. “For a moment, I felt I would never be able to accomplish my dream. But I held on to one belief: Strength lies not in the body, but in the will,” he said.The team began their trek on April 8 from Lukla in Nepal. For the next six days they dealt with steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain, before reaching their goal. For Deshmukh, the expedition presented unique challenges. “The biggest hurdles were the weather and my disability. At certain points, I had to rely on volunteers because I couldn’t properly position my trekking poles,” he said.Despite the odds, meticulous preparation played a key role in his success. Over the past two months, Deshmukh trained rigorously to build endurance. “I made it a point to walk a few kilometres every day carrying a six-kilogram backpack. I also worked out in the gym and went on local treks to prepare for steep slopes. I avoided using the lift and climbed 10 floors every day,” he said.“My yoga sessions, positive thinking, and belief in my abilities helped me overcome mental barriers. Mental strength is the most essential factor in such demanding expeditions,” he added.
