Nikhil Kisan Kokate, a youth from Taleran village in the tribal-dominated and mountainous area of Junnar taluka, has created a new identity for the bravery of the tribal community by completing a thrilling trek to the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Everest, on May 12.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is considered one of the most famous and challenging treks in the world. Nikhil covered this trek at a total height of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) and covered this difficult distance on foot for about 12 days. The extreme cold of -14° Celsius and low oxygen test the body and mind. The increase in altitude causes many problems such as headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Nikhil completed the trek by overcoming all these obstacles.
Nikhil trained continuously for the past one year for this feat. He prepared his body and mind through regular running, swimming, breathing exercises, and various short treks. In this, he received valuable guidance from the organization Dhyas Sahyadri Adventure, as well as Suraj Malusare and Yash Mhaskere.
In this trek, Nikhil also guided 7 other climbers and successfully completed the expedition with them. The mountaineering skills and experience he had acquired were of great use to him.
Nikhil has previously achieved a historic feat by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. He is the first tribal youth from Pune district to achieve this feat.
Everest Base Camp is a step towards his goal. Nikhil’s dream is to reach the summit of Everest himself. His ultimate goal is to climb the highest peaks on all seven continents of the world, i.e. the ‘7 Summits’.
Nikhil Kokate, who comes from a tribal area like Taleran, is today struggling for the dream of reaching the “seven peaks”. His inspiring journey is inspiring other tribal youth to dream and fulfill their dreams.
Wave of appreciation in the community:
Sansdaratna Hon. Dr. Amol Dada Kolhe (MP, Shirur Lok Sabha constituency) said, “Nikhil Kokate has made Maharashtra proud by leaping from the tribal community to the global stage. Our country needs such youth. By reaching Everest Base Camp, he has not only planted the ‘flag on the peak’, but has also inspired every tribal youth to dream and chase after it.”
Hon. Sharad Dada Sonawane (MLA, Junnar Assembly constituency) said, “The determination and perseverance shown by Nikhil Kokate from a tribal area like Taleran is truly inspiring. Today’s youth have a lot to learn from him.”
Hon. Pradeep Desai (Project Officer, Integrated Tribal Development Project, Ghodegaon) said, “Nikhil Kokate’s success story is the embodiment of the efforts being made for tribal development. We are thinking of supporting his ‘Seven Summits’ campaign.”
Mr. Mrs. Sulochana and Kisan Sakharam Kokate (Nikhil’s parents) said, “Nikhil was determined to do something different since childhood. It is a source of joy and pride for us that he has achieved such a great success.”
Sarpanch Govind Sable (Taleran village) said, “Nikhil, who has made a name for himself on a global scale from a small village like Taleran, has become an inspiration for all of us. Other youth of the village should also follow his example.”
Sarpanch Aruna Lande (Madh village) said, “Nikhil Kokate achieved this success through determination and hard work. It is a big deal to make a tribal youth shine in the field of mountaineering.”
