On the occasion of Mount Everest Platinum Jubilee and 16th International Sagarmatha Day celebration, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) in coordination with the main organizing committee formed under the chairmanship of Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Secretary Mr. Suresh Adhikari, organized a special program on Thursday at Aloft Hotel, Thamel.

Secretary of MoCTCA Mr. Adhiikari, Director General of Department of Tourism Mr. Home Prasad Luitel, and President of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Mr. Nima Nuru Sherpa jointly conferred the badge to all the climbers. The famed climbers Sir Edmund Hillary's son Mr. Peter Hillary, Grandson Mr. Alexander Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay's son Mr. Jamling Norgay, grandson Mr. Tashi Sherpa, as well as other Mount Everest climbers present in the program, are honored with a Sagarmatha badge.

Climbers from Russia, Thailand, Mongolia, Estonia, and India also came all the way to Nepal to participate in the program and were conferred with the badge.

The event was graced by luminaries from around the world including Honorable former Prime Minister of New Zealand Ms. Halen Clark, and family members of Sir Ed and Tenzing. Other distinguished guests included excellencies from several nations, including Ambassador of New Zealand Mr. David Pine, world-renowned climbers, Director General of the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Country Representative of WWF Dr. Ghanashyam Gurung, and other high-level government representatives.

President of NMA Mr. Sherpa extended his gratitude to all the dignitaries, family members of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and others present at the event for their presence. ‘‘It may be the rare opportunity for all of us to have the presence of families of legendary summiteers Sir Ed and Mr. Tenzing, former Prime Minister of New Zealand Honorable Clark, and other dignitaries. We are delighted to have you here for a unique purpose,'' President Sherpa said. This evening is devoted to our two superhumans who made significant contributions to both humankind and mountain tourism. My special thanks go to the Chair of Himalayan Trust Uk Sir Graham Wrigley and Honorary Consul of New Zealand Ms. Lisa Chogyal for all the support to make this event a success. And lastly, I also want to express my gratitude to each of you for coming tonight.’’

Following the ceremonial event, all the guests joined the supper hosted in honor of the families of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

Before the event, Himalayan Trust UK organized a documentary show regarding 1st successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The documentary show was followed by a discussion program with Mr. Peter, Mr. Jamling, and Ms. Sue Layden (Daughter of Colonel John Hunt. Colonel John was the leader of the 1953 successful ascent of Mount Everest) sharing their memories from their fathers' diaries and answering some questions regarding the epic expedition. Being one of the speakers of the evening, Nepali record-holder climber Ms. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa also shared her experience regarding mountaineering.

NMA and other tourism-related organizations have supported the Himalayan Trust Uk to organize the documentary show and discussion program. NMA President Mr. Sherpa also shared his gratitude to be part of this event. ''NMA feels pleased to be part of this event,'' President Sherpa said.