For trekkers a Remarkable Session with an Armed Forces Veteran

Each trek is a story written in footsteps. –VirsaFeed

I was fortunate enough to be with someone very special. He had gone from fighting wars to standing on top of hills covered with powder like snow. My chance meeting with him at this trekkers/mountaineers’ in person session was unforgettable, therefore sharing this story has become an obligation for me. Seeing our grandparents, parents and other family members serving in the Armed Forces gives us a different feeling although when it gets added with something special, that really makes our day. Same was the day when I got to see Lt. Col. Romil in person along with other members who had been part of expeditions. 

The Setting

The tough Himalayan-pinnacles were resolved by the brave trekking-club Boots and Crampons. Their crew included several expert climbers, starting ladies and retired military soldier Lt. Col. Romil Barthwal. Although he didn’t come in uniform but the way he greeted and he commanded respect – you could tell from his looks that he had been in many wars and was in the army for a long time. This meeting was an instant meeting with similar passion that allowed the like minded people gather from various parts of Gujarat and Mumbai. 

From Battlefield to Summit

Lt. Col. Barthwal had spent a long time in service with the Indian army. Positions and Commands he won speak of bravery, sacrifice and undying loyalty. But far from dimming his enthusiasm, retirement made him more ardent. It came with a boiling passion for mountains! From snow-covered Andes to rugged Alps, he had lived atop mountain ranges on every continent. His adventurous streak moved freely from war-torn zones into pristine forests without any stopovers.

Guiding Light

Lt. Col. Barthwal played an essential role during the discussion of the expeditions and getting to listen to the expeditions covered by others under his guidance and from other groups. He taught us how to acclimatize with ease, breathe well while climbing and work as a team. His face brightened with glory whenever he talked about climbing tall mountains in harsh climate. All of us listened to him very closely as he shared useful tips and life advice regarding hiking up hills while having coffees and snacks all together with other serving and retired personnel and other young enthusiasts who had been on expeditions with Boots and Crampons.

The Summit and Beyond Knowledge Sharing

It was great to know as a trekker how to face and prepare ourselves for the summits, the challenges and sudden drop of life changing events and how to survive through the waves and environments while heading up or in the worst cases to start descending midway to have a safe reach. How the air progressively gets thinner as we approach the summit and we were on the verge of being overwhelmed by the tremendous knowledge and depth of expertise in making us think about the expeditions. But Col. Lt. Romil’s persistent encouragement urged us on to share the experiences and talk about such events. It was a living proof that obstacles could be surmounted through willpower and togetherness followed by expert guidance by the leads who had been in those trails before. 

A Coffeehouse Chat

Around a coffeehouse chat that evening, Lt. Col. Romil told stories of his military life about brotherhood, sacrifice, and bonds formed through hardship. We followed him closely as he told us about determination, leadership, skills and management and the need to be there for others. His eyes shone in remembrance as we cherished this rare occasional gathering.

Legacy of Summits and Plethora of Experience at Altitudes

Lt. Col. Romil didn’t only leave behind his own accomplishments. He initiated a climbing Company and expedition tours for training and leading enthusiasts. In order to promote discipline, bravery, and an appreciation of nature. Many of these people he mentored have since gone on to peak mountains all over the world in order to carry on with his teachings and guidance. Lt. Col. is like a Mountain Monk for trekkers who have tremendous expertise in this domain and can simply add value in anyone’s expedition plans through his briefings.

A Grateful Farewell

When our evening coffee chatter was over, we parted with Lt. Col. Romil. His handshake was firm, and he had a true smile. He made a difference in our life that we can’t really explain. We assured him that we would keep in contact, pursue our own paths and remain in the spirit of adventure which he served as a symbol for trekkers.

Epilogue

That evening soon after our dispersal , I pondered over the coincidence that had made us meet – a regular tourist and a retired army champion. We had bumped into each other at a casual meeting in Gujarat and at that instant had mutualized so deeply – a passion for mountains, a reverence for endurance and an affiliation made by the magnificence of mother earth.

Trekking: where the earth and spirit meet

Lt. Col. Romil’s legacy would live on, inspiring trekkers, mountaineers, and dreamers alike. And perhaps, someday, I would pass on his wisdom to another wide-eyed adventurer, just as he had done for us with his experience. 

Being always surrounded and joining meals and games and parties with the Armed forces, I have gained much of the experience in various domains like in Management, Discipline, Critical Thinking, being Volatile, Readiness, Adherence to the norms and policies and ethics. 

Know the Author

Hey there, readers! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I ain’t just your average blogger — I’m a seasoned project manager with a knack for diving deep into research and unraveling the mysteries of project management. But that’s not all there is to me! With a background in Healthcare, IT and Pharmaceuticals for Project management, hospital management and a passion for travel, hiking, and trekking, I’m all about blending the professional with the adventurous. So, join me on this voyage where we’ll explore the ins and outs of strategy, project management and share tales from the management, travels, and maybe even swap tips along the way.

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