5-year-old Tegbir Singh reached the pinnacle of glory through grit, discipline, and sheer hard work when he became the first youngest Sikh to scale the Mount Everest Base Camp this week, dreaming of conquering Mount Everest and other peaks around the world, under the care and guidance of his polite, humble and disciplined father Sukhinderdeep Singh. WSN special correspondent Ishwinder Singh Dakha catches up with the father-son duo on the phone while they are returning home to Punjab.

HOISTING THE KESARI NISHAN SAHIB AT THE MOUNT EVEREST BASE CAMP this week, the giant young Sardarji Tegbir Singh, not only marked his achievement but also planted a symbol of his faith and resilience in one of the world’s most challenging terrains. Tegbir Singh, a mere 5-year-old from Ropar, Punjab, has etched his name in the annals of exceptional youthful climbers by reaching the Everest Base Camp with his father.

Speaking to WSN, Sukhinderdeep Singh said, “In our year-long preparation under coach Bikramjit Singh, a former international handball coach, we focused not just on physical training but also on meticulous nutritional management. He crafted a regimen that was both strenuous and sustaining, preparing us physically and mentally for the high altitudes of Everest Base Camp.”

When this reporter asked Tegbir Singh, he politely replied, “I was really inspired by a friend’s daughter who reached Everest Base Camp when she was just seven and a half. Knowing her story made me believe I could do it too.”

“The final two days were the toughest part of our trek, but Dad and I kept pushing forward. We got a lot of offers from mule operators to help us because I was young, but we wanted to complete our journey on foot. Whenever I felt tired, I would chant prayers. Dad often told me the story of Bhai Bachittar Singh, which really lifted my spirits and kept me going.”

“The final two days were the toughest part of our trek, but Dad and I kept pushing forward. We got a lot of offers from mule operators to help us because I was young, but we wanted to complete our journey on foot. Whenever I felt tired, I would chant prayers. Dad often told me the story of Bhai Bachittar Singh, which really lifted my spirits and kept me going.”

Tegbir Singh, young mountaineer

In a world where extraordinary feats are often celebrated, it is the stories of young achievers that truly inspire awe and admiration. This remarkable journey is not only a testament to his physical and mental fortitude but also a beacon of the Sikh spirit of resilience and determination.

At an altitude where the air is thin and the landscape daunting, young Tegbir Singh and his father, Sukhinderdeep Singh, achieved the incredible by reaching the Everest Base Camp, a journey that many only dream of. Tegbir’s achievement is particularly significant in the Sikh community, reflecting the core teachings of courage, perseverance, and faith that are deeply embedded in Sikh philosophy. As taught by the Sikh Gurus, overcoming obstacles through sheer will and faith is a virtue upheld by all adherents. This young Sikh’s journey embodies these teachings, demonstrating that spiritual and physical endurance can lead to transcendent achievements.

The endeavor also symbolizes a formative life experience, shaped by rigorous physical preparation and mental conditioning. The father-son duo trained extensively, their regimen consisting of daily exercises, altitude sickness preparation, and nutritional planning to ensure their bodies could withstand the harsh conditions of high altitude trekking.

This preparation is crucial, as noted by similar accounts of young achievers such as Jordan Romero, who, at 13, became the youngest to summit Mount Everest, after rigorous training and multiple climbs across the world’s highest peaks. Tegbir Singh, about trained by his father Sukhinderdeep Singh not only adds to the rich tapestry of Sikh achievements but also joins the chronicles of young adventurers globally who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Moreover, the tale of Tegbir Singh resonates with recent stories of youthful climbers like Zara Šifra, the youngest at four years to reach the base camp, showcasing that age is merely a number when it comes to setting and demolishing records.

Such feats highlight not only the physical capabilities of the young climbers but also their immense mental strength and resilience.

The story of Tegbir is not just about reaching a high point on Earth but also about elevating the human spirit. It is about setting an example for the youth, proving that with determination and preparation, no peak is too high. His journey brings to light the Sikh principle of “Chardi Kala,” the pursuit of maintaining a positive spirit and optimism in the face of adversity.

The significance of Tegbir Singh’s achievement extends beyond the Sikh community, offering inspiration to all, especially the younger generation, to dream big and strive unyieldingly towards those dreams. As young Tegbir has shown, with the support of family and the strength drawn from one’s cultural and spiritual roots, the sky is not the limit—rather, it is just the beginning.

WSN celebrates this extraordinary feat and looks forward to seeing what peaks Tegbir Singh will conquer next in his hopefully long and illustrious future of mountaineering.