Odia Writer Pens Down The Mountaineering Journey Of Kusang

Darjeeling: Odia writer, Susanta Kumar Das released his book ‘The Long Walk from Darkness to Light’, an autobiography of legendary mountaineer Kusang Dorjee Sherpa, at the Auditorium of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling on December 12.

The book is about a child, Kusang, who sets his goal high and then works all his life with dedication and sincerity to finally achieve it, crossing several hurdles. Susanta feels that the story of Kusang will definitely inspire all and is a must-read for the young generation and especially aspiring mountaineers.

Susanta is from the legal profession and also an adventure sports mentor, a short story writer, a wildlife lover and an environmental activist. He has a special affinity for Darjeeling and its people that takes him there again and again. He loves to mingle with the professional mountaineers and talk to them to know about their experiences and the reason they risk their lives to climb the dangerous mountain peaks. In this connection, he met Kusang a few years back. Impressed by his humble personality and extraordinary achievements, he instantly became Kusang’s friend and decided to pen his story.

Kusang scaled Mount Everest five times, apart from climbing Mount Makalu and many other hard to access mountain peaks. He is the first person in India to climb Mount Everest from its deadly eastside Kangshung face. He has also set many world records during his various climbing expeditions and is a recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award conferred by the Government of India.

IPS, Inspector General of Police, Darjeeling, Manoj Kumar Verma graced the occasion as the chief guest. Group Captain Jaikishan was the speaker and Wing Cdr. Devidutta Panda, vice-principal, HMI, Akhilesh Chaturvedi, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling and many ace mountaineers and dignitaries were also present during the launch.