Inside Out/Harish Kapadia

What makes him stand out?

Despite having a secure future in his family business of cloth merchandise, Kapadia was determined to track his passion. A degree in business management from Bombay University didn8217;t prevent him from taking up a rock-climbing course in 1959 at the age of 13. quot;It was Bombay8217;s first ever course conducted near Mumbra by Jagdish Nanavati, who, incidentally, was also a serious influence on me for his meticulous approach.quot; In 1962, he took to trekking in earnest in the Western Ghats and was part of the first trek to the Pindari Glaciers the same year. Seven years later, in 1969, his first international expedition to Sunderdunga, Kumaon Valley, happened.

Of late, he has been experiencing a different kind of high!

quot;The feeling is not new. I have already authored five books. This set makes it nine.quot; While the first two volumes of theseries Across Peaks and Passes in Garhwal and Kumaon are ready, the other two will come by next week. Priced at Rs 500 each, it will be a Bible for trekkers.

What initiated the flair?

Kapadia8217;s first work was about the Sahyadaris which he wrote as a user-friendly handout in 1977. Later, it was published as a book, priced at Rs 5. Two years later, Soli Mehta handed over the editorship of the Himalayan Journal to Kapadia. quot;Writing and photography are bound to be allied interests for someone who interacts with nature so closely.quot;

So, he is also a photographer!

quot;Because I take good, professional photographs. But you won8217;t find me sitting in front of a flower in Mumbai taking pictures. And also for no project other than mine.quot; The interest began as a need 8212; Harish did not want to take a photographer on his journeys.

What else?

Kapadia often lectures in UK and Japan and writes for various foreign journals. quot;Exchanging notes with other writers and mountaineers takesmost of my time.quot;

At 54, is hiking as interesting?

quot;After 35 years, I know almost every nook and corner. So it8217;s more enjoyable. Experience has taught me how to make quick trips. I can8217;t carry heavy loads now and the speed has obviously suffered with age. But then while Chris Bonington undertook a major expedition in Tibet last year at the age of 67, I climbed 6,600 metres in Ladakh at the age of 50.quot; And this year, Kapadia celebrated 25 years of recovery from a serious hip injury he suffered in 1974. quot;I was told that I won8217;t be able to climb again.quot; But he did.

And then, his was also the first civilian group that went to Siachen?

quot;When Pakistan allowed foreign mountaineers to Siachen, the Indian government didn8217;t want to be left behind. So, the impossible happened in 1985. A year later it was stopped because of heavy firing from the neighbouring country. And last year again we were allowed to go back.quot;

What lies ahead?

Another trip in August and a millenniumexpedition.

So he also believes in millennium celebrations?

quot;Not really. It8217;s just that I need an excuse to trek.quot;

8212; Meeta Bhatti