In a remarkable display of courage and determination, Hari Budha Magar, a double amputee and former British Gurkha soldier, has etched his name in history by becoming the first above-the-knee double amputee to conquer Mount Everest. On May 19th, at approximately 3 pm local time, Hari Budha Magar reached the summit of the world's tallest peak, marking a significant milestone for individuals with disabilities.
Defying All Odds
Hari Budha Magar's journey to the summit of Everest is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Born in a humble cowshed in Nepal in 1979, he faced numerous challenges throughout his life. At the age of 11, he was forced into an arranged marriage, setting the stage for a life filled with resilience and determination.
At 19, Hari Budha Magar joined the esteemed Royal Gurkha Rifles, outshining over 10,000 applicants to secure a place among the 230 successful candidates. For the next 15 years, he served his country across five continents, fulfilling various roles such as Combat Medic, Sniper, and Covert Surveillance.
Tragedy Strikes
In 2010, tragedy struck when Hari Budha Magar lost both his legs above the knee to an IED while on patrol in Afghanistan. His life took an unexpected turn, and he faced the daunting task of adapting to life with prosthetic limbs. However, this setback did not dampen his spirit; instead, it fueled his determination to challenge societal perceptions of disability.
Conquering New Heights
Hari Budha Magar's climb to the summit of Mount Everest is not just a personal triumph; it is a mission to inspire and empower individuals with disabilities worldwide. Through his remarkable journey, he aims to change the narrative surrounding disabilities and show that having a disability does not have to be limiting.
Prior to his historic Everest expedition, Hari Budha Magar accomplished several impressive feats. In 2017, he became the first double above-the-knee amputee to summit a mountain higher than 6,000m, conquering Mera Peak in Nepal. He also took up golf through the On Course Foundation, demonstrating his resilience and passion for pushing beyond perceived boundaries.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others
Hari Budha Magar's relentless pursuit of his dreams led him to the Supreme Court in 2018, where he successfully overturned a ban on people with disabilities climbing Everest. This legal victory not only cleared the path for his own ascent but also opened doors for others facing similar challenges.
Through his incredible achievement, Hari Budha Magar aims to raise awareness of disabilities and inspire individuals worldwide to conquer their own personal mountains. His message resonates with everyone, reminding us that disabilities should not be seen as limitations and that individuals with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives, defying all odds.
Timeline of Hari Budha Magar
- 1979: Hari Budha Magar is born in a cowshed in Nepal.
- 1999: At the age of 19, Hari joins the Royal Gurkha Rifles after being selected among 230 successful applicants out of over 10,000.
- 2006: Hari Budha Magar enters a new chapter of his life by marrying Urmila Budha Magar for love.
- 2010: Tragedy strikes as Hari loses both his legs above the knee to an IED while on patrol in Afghanistan.
- 2014: Through the On Course Foundation, Hari discovers and takes up golf as a means of rehabilitation.
- 2017: Hari Budha Magar becomes the first double above-the-knee amputee to summit a mountain higher than 6,000m by conquering Mera Peak in Nepal.
- 2018: Hari Budha Magar challenges a ban on people with disabilities climbing Everest, taking his case to the Supreme Court and successfully overturning the restriction.
- 2023: On May 19th, Hari Budha Magar achieves an extraordinary feat by reaching the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the world's first double above-the-knee amputee to conquer the iconic peak.