Badri Pandey, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, has lauded the Sherpa community for their role in protecting the mountains and contributing to the global recognition of Mount Everest. Speaking at an event organized by the Nepal Mountain Academy on Friday, Minister Pandey highlighted the bravery of the Sherpas, comparing them to the renowned Bir Gorkhali soldiers.
“The courageous Sherpa community has played a pivotal role in making Mount Everest a global icon,” Minister Pandey remarked. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Sherpas’ contributions to mountaineering and tourism.
In his speech, Minister Pandey also underscored the need for the Nepal Mountain Academy to expand its reach and become a global educational hub. He expressed his vision for the academy to evolve into an international university that attracts students from across the globe, not just from Solukhumbu and surrounding areas.
The event also recognized the contributions of former ministers Bal Bahadur KC, Shankar Prasad Koirala, Shankar Prasad Pandey, Premkumar Shrestha, Santosh Thapa Magar, and Lakhphuti Sherpa. Additionally, students from the Mountain Academy presented their research and launched the journal Voice of Himal, further highlighting the institution’s role in promoting mountain-related studies.