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Malaysian mountaineer Ravichandran Tharumalingam is causing outrage. The reason for this is his ingratitude towards a Sherpa who saved his life on a Mount Everest expedition. Sherpa Gelje had found Tharumalingam trembling and without oxygen bottle or guide at an altitude of 8230 meters in the death zone. There is limited oxygen and the temperature can drop to minus 30 degrees.
Gelje convinced his Chinese client to abort his own ascension and save Tharumalingam. He wrapped the climber in a sleeping mat and carried him on his back to camp 4. The strenuous descent from 580 meters altitude took six hours, according to the Reuters news agency. The Sherpa posted a video of the rescue on his Instagram channel, showing Tharumalingam wrapped in the mat.
controversy on Instagram
Despite Gelje’s heroic efforts, the climber thanked his sponsors and rescue insurance when he returned to Malaysia after recovery in June. “I am alive today because I had the best and most dedicated partners – the 14th Peaks Expedition Co and Global Rescue Ins,” Tharumalingam wrote on Instagram. In other posts on the account, he advertises a T-shirt that says “Leave your fears behind”.
The Sherpa then shared an Instagram story saying that Tharumalingam was “ungrateful” and even blocked the Sherpa. Responses from other users were not long in coming. “Thank you for not mentioning the name of the Sherpa who saved your life. His name is Gelje,” wrote one. “You are alive today because a Sherpa and his friend took you to safety and it is documented for all to see. Acknowledge that,” another comment said.
ego accusations
Only after that did Tharumalingam mention Gelje’s name in a post. However, in the same post he again praised his sponsors, who have nothing to do with Gelje. “Sherpas are people who are very dedicated and devoted to their customers,” he wrote. This is particularly the case with the 14th Peaks Expedition Co and the Seven Summit Expedition Co. “They never let you down. I experienced that this year.” 14th Peaks had only been involved in the rescue at Camp 4.
Nevertheless, Gelje replies to the climber: «Thank you. I hope your recovery goes well.” Other users’ anger did not abate. One user wrote that Tharumalingam has an “ego bigger than Mount Everest.” Others pointed out that he only mentioned his savior’s name after being criticized. That’s embarrassing. (no)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
