Veteran mountaineer Col Narinder Kumar gets Mac Gregor Memorial medal

New Delhi, June 25 (ANI): Veteran mountaineer and former Army officer Col Narinder Kumar (76) has been decorated with prestigious Mac Gregor Memorial medal.

Mac Gregor memorial medal was instituted by the United Services of India in 1888, in the memory of Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe Mac Gregor to recognize exemplary service in the fields of Military reconnaissance, expeditions, river rafting, world cruises, polar expeditions, running and trekking across Himalayas and adventure flights.

Colonel Narinder Kumar has led multiple expeditions in the Siachen area, between 1978 and 1981 and gained highly valuable terrain and enemy information, which has been instrumental in safeguarding our borders on there.

The expeditions were carried out in uncharted territory, under extremely harsh weather conditions, with minimal equipment and administrative support and grave risk to life and limb.

The results achieved in these expeditions were spectacular and formed the bedrock for the subsequent launch of "Operation Meghdoot."

Col Narinder Kumar adventure life is embedded with many stellar achievements, to include the first successful Indian expedition to Nanda Devi and Chomolhari, the highest peak in Bhutan.

In his personal capacity, Col Narinder Kumar has led nine out of 13 expeditions to peaks above 24000 ft.

He was also the first individual to cross Siachen from "Snout to the Source".

His contributions towards adventure also include authoring six books on mountaineering, skiing and rafting.

A Padma Bhusan and Arjuna awardee, Col Narinder Kumar has the honour of being the subject of a documentary by the Films Division of India and he continues to contribute his might to sports as Associate Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association.

The stellar contributions of this great veteran have been aptly recognized with the award of a prestigious medal, which is being given after a gap of eight and a half years. (ANI)