Niru Tripathi
Niru Tripathi
24/05/2023
Melbourne, Australia – 70 years ago, amidst the awe-inspiring peaks of the Himalayas, a monumental chapter in human history unfolded. On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and his partner, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, etched their names into eternity as they conquered the mighty Mount Everest. In the realm of towering dreams and uncharted horizons, Peter Hillary, yet to be born and not even a spark in his mother’s womb, awaited his turn to tread upon his father’s footsteps and immortalize his legacy.
Today, in a remarkable tribute to his father’s historic feat, Peter Hillary, following in the footsteps of Late Sir Edmund Hillary, lends his unwavering support to the Nepali advocacy for Everest Day recognition in the New Zealand calendar. As the monumental 70th Everest Day approaches, Peter finds himself amidst the breathtaking beauty of Namche Bazaar, a place that holds a special connection to his heart.
During a captivating WhatsApp interview on 22nd May, Peter shared his delight in being surrounded by the pleasant weather and majestic views of Namche Bazaar, where he was enjoying his breakfast with his groups. He said, “I have a unique bonding and a heart-to-heart connection with this land.” When asked to compare New Zealand and Nepal, Peter passionately reveals that both countries share the same geographical beauty and values, making him feel at home when he’s in Nepal.
With excitement evident in his voice, Peter reveals the plans for the Everest Day celebration. Alongside various groups, Peter and the Hillary and Sherpa families gather in Namche, creating a momentous occasion to honor the enduring memory of their father and grandfather. This remarkable event has attracted international attention, with ambassadors from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the deputy ambassador of the United States joining Nepalese government officials.
Born and growing up in New Zealand, Peter’s passion for mountaineering was ignited by his father’s awe-inspiring adventures in the Himalayas. Despite Sir Edmund’s initial attempts to dissuade him, Peter’s love for the mountains only grew stronger. Determined, he insisted, “I want to do what you do!” as he stared back at his father with conviction.
In an engaging conversation with CALD Voices, Peter reflects upon his early experiences in the Himalayan ranges and Nepal, where his parents’ deep love for the mountains left an indelible mark on his soul. He affectionately recalls, “They inspired me, the mountains themselves inspired me a lot.”
When I asked about the persistent advocacy of the Nepali community in New Zealand for the formal acknowledgment of Everest Day in the government calendar, reflecting their deep-rooted desire, Peter Hillary expressed his firm solidarity and unwavering support. However, he emphasized that the significance of Everest Day should surpass that of a mere holiday.
Peter envisions it as an occasion filled with humanity-focused activities and active public engagement, aiming to promote healthy living, environmental protection, and the preservation of the Himalayan region. He strongly believes that recognizing Everest Day in this manner will not only strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nepal and New Zealand but also highlight the importance of transforming it into a day of meaningful public service, encouraging diverse participation from various sectors of society.
Like a gentle breeze carrying the whispers of ancient wisdom, Peter Hillary, a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young mountaineers, imparts a timeless message from the depths of his mountaineering soul, “Embark on your journey with humble steps, embracing the smaller mountains as your mentors. Forge a friendship with these majestic peaks, intimately understanding their secrets and nuances. As you navigate the rugged paths, face setbacks with unwavering determination, rising again with resilience. Take your time, embrace serenity, and continue steadfastly. And one glorious day, with the world at your feet, you shall stand triumphantly atop the majestic pinnacle of Mount Everest.” Within these heartfelt words lies Peter’s profound connection to the Nepalese people and Sherpas, which gestures him to traverse the rugged trails of Nepal time and again, weaving an unbreakable bond that transcends time and distance.
Continuing the extraordinary Hillary family legacy, Peter and his sister actively preserve Sir Edmund Hillary’s intellectual property while upholding the family flag through the Edmund Hillary Collection. Notably, a portion of the proceeds from the collection is dedicated to charitable causes, such as the construction of schools and hospitals.
Approaching the age of 69, Peter finds immense joy in the prospect of his children and his father’s grandchildren standing atop the summit of the mountain. He proudly states, “We are following in his footsteps, and we are proud to do so.” Furthermore, Peter’s youngest son, Alexander Hillary, holds the esteemed position of General Manager at the Himalayan Trust.
Cald Voices
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