Worlds' tallest Indian

[FT]

Mastan Babu Malli, climbed the seven summmits of the world in 172 days, becoming the first Indian to do so, and the fastest seven summits' accomplishment in the world. No mean record.



This from a man, who lives in India, struggles to find sponsors, and in a shoestring budget.



If this is not a story that should make Indians sit up and notice and get goose pimples, I wonder what is. Yeah, I forgot, it is stories like non-accomplishments like Sania Mirzas, Karthik Nara-whatever-yans. Why becase they are more glamorous?



Dudes, this guy deserves a wider audience, more sponsorships, and solid support from the fellow countrymen. Here's his website.



He deserves Arjuna award and what ever laurels India can shower on him. Not for his benefit alone. For the benefit of all those lone adventurers and sportsmen who sweat it out for a glory that this country sometimes is undeserving.



http://71.146.141.131/7summits/7summits.nsf





1 Mt. Vinson Massif (Antarctica), 16,067 ft / 4,897 M, 19-Jan-2006

2 Mt. Aconcagua (S. America), 22,841 ft / 6,962 M, 17-Feb-2006

3 Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa), 19,341 ft / 5,895 M , 15-Mar-2006

4 Mt. Kosciuzsko (Australia), 7,310 ft / 2,228 M, 01-Apr-2006

5 Mt. Everest (Asia), 29,035 ft / 8,850 M, 21-May-2006

6 Mt. Elbrus (Europe), 18,511 ft / 5,642 M, 13-Jun-2006

7 Mt. McKinley/Denali (N. America), 20,321 ft / 6,194 M, 10-July-2006