‘We knocked the bastard off’, the scaling voice of the great legend resonated over the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest in 1953 after his first ever conquest over the terrain. Alas! The voice has silenced forever with Edmund Hillary bidding his final adieu to the world. The conquest reeled off in 1953 was just the beginning of the gushing enthusiasm that erupted then and flowed like a perennial chasm throughout his life and went on lapping over new heights and reaches - be it the South Pole, the Himalayas, or the humanity. It won’t be wrong to say that heroic figure of Hillary knocked off not just Everest but also the limitations of determination, humility and generosity. There is none denying that hilarious Hillary was not only a legendary adventurer, but also a great philanthropist with benediction always finding a due place in his heart and mind. This is the reason why he lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity. It’s interesting to know that his Himalaya Trust solely raised about US$250,000 a year and he personally helped build schools, brides, hospitals, pipelines and even airfield.

Indeed, Edmund Hillary was a rare embodiment where adventure converged with humility, and determination with philanthropy. No doubt, physically he is not with us, but in hearts, he will ever remain!

Edmund Hillary Picture Gallery

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