October 2008. Remembering BMC at HMI. Everlasting memories of my first peak ascent, the fantastic instructors especially Devi Singh Sir, and the singing & dancing in the barracks after a hard day's work. Thinking also of the debates with and real stories shared by the faujis in the course (GR, Ladakh Scouts, Sikh LI, Grenadiers, Armoured Corp), the re-inforced sense of respect I developed for them, and thankful for their friendship and companionship through the month we were together. Many strong images imprinted forever in my mind, especially the 2 young Lance Naiks from the Ladakh Scouts - in the few weeks we spent up at the Rathong glacier, every morning before dawn when I struggled to leave the meagre warmth of the sleeping bag and could hear the icy winds raging outside, they were already in full combat kit and in the middle of their morning prayers. I would just sit and watch them for a few moments. One of them (the quiet one) was scheduled to return to Siachen after the course. That's him on my right in the photo. Sometimes even in the middle of a normal work day at the office, I think of those boys and the rest of the motley crew.

 Frey Peak. 5830m. Tenzing's pre-Everest.

 Rathong glacier. Beyond yonder lies Nepal.