Indian-Canadian lawyer and mountaineer Ajaypal Singh Dhaliwal has emerged as a symbol of courage and resilience after becoming the first Canadian Punjabi to successfully climb Mount Everest and survive a near-death ordeal in the mountain’s notorious “Death Zone.”
Originally from Kassam Bhatti village in Punjab’s Faridkot district and now living in Surrey, British Columbia, Dhaliwal reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 20 while carrying a plaque displaying the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
However, the celebration quickly turned into a desperate struggle for survival during his descent.
Dhaliwal became separated from his expedition team and Sherpa guide in the oxygen-deprived Death Zone, one of the most dangerous areas on Everest where the human body rapidly weakens due to extreme altitude and lack of oxygen.
As darkness fell and his oxygen supply ran out, Dhaliwal later said he drew strength from Sikh prayers and the words of Guru Gobind Singh: “Nischay Kar Apnee Jeet Karon.”
Battling severe cold, exhaustion, and dangerous icy terrain, he attempted to descend alone before suffering a devastating fall that left him unconscious high on the mountain.
In what many are calling a miraculous survival, Dhaliwal eventually regained consciousness in complete darkness and began flashing his headlamp in hopes of attracting attention.
His signal was spotted by four climbers, including Sherpa rescuer Mingma Tenzi Sherpa, who shared oxygen with him and refused to abandon him despite the extreme conditions.
Too weak to walk independently, Dhaliwal slowly descended with the assistance of the Sherpa team and ultimately survived the deadly conditions that have claimed the lives of many climbers.
Following the rescue, Dhaliwal expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sherpa community and the people of Nepal, praising their bravery, compassion, and humanity.
His remarkable achievement and survival story have inspired Sikh and Punjabi communities around the world, with many hailing him as an example of unwavering faith, determination, and resilience.
Dhaliwal now joins the growing list of Sikh Everest climbers whose extraordinary journeys continue to inspire people globally.