NEW DELHI/NEW YORK (TIP): Indian mountaineer and Padma Shri Awardee Major HPS Ahluwalia has died at the age of 85. The Indian Spinal Injuries Centre founder breathed his last on Friday, January 14, 2022, according to a statement released by the Center. The statement said that Ahluwalia was a trained mountaineer, a retired army officer, a social worker, and an author who gave his contribution in several fields that include disability and social work, sports, adventure, and environment.

Born on November 6, 1934, in Punjab, HPS Ahluwalia’s full name was Hari Pal Ahluwalia. HPS was among one of the six men in India who climbed Mount Everest. He wasthe world’s twenty-first man to do so. Along with Phu Dorjee Sherpa and HCS Rawat, he made the fourth and final attempt of the 1965 Indian Everest Expedition. This also became the first time when a total of three climbers stood together on the summit. After his advanced training which he took at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the author climbed extensively in Nepal. Hari Pal was brought up with his two younger brothers and sisters in Shimla.

HPS Ahluwalia is survived by wife BholiAhluwaliaandtheir daughter Sugandh Ahluwalia.

Condoling Ahluwalia’s death, New Jersey based lobbyist Harry Singh Panaser said, it is “sad that Chairman ISIC, Maj HPS Ahluwalia, passed away on 14 Jan 2022 due to cardiac arrest.  An avid mountaineer and a keen adventure enthusiast, Maj Ahluwalia left an indelible mark in many fields including adventure, sports, environmental, disability and social work. He was awarded Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri & Arjuna Award for his contributions.

 I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

  May the departed soul rest in peace.”

The staff at The Indian Panorama condole Major Ahluwalia’s demise and pray for eternal peace to the departed soul.