By : Siti Nur`Ain Feisal

Editor : Nik Hafzaini Nik Hassan  

SEPANG – T. Ravichandran has conquered the Everest summit solo twice in 2006 and 2007 and his third mission has been successfully accomplished on 12 May 2022 bringing different challenges to him.  

In this mission, not only he went with 40 and 64 years old climber, but he also brought whole UPM communities hopes and dreams to watch UPM flag being proudly raised at the world’s highest summit.

The expedition began on 25 Mac 2022 and his return to Malaysia on 22 May 2022 has successfully accomplished UPM flag from Everest peak along with realising the 64 years old climber to step foot on the summit. 

Ravichandran was UPM alumnus class of 1990 arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) yesterday, welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr. Arifin Abdu, Alumni Relations Centre Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arba’ie Sujud, sponsors, families, UPM alumni, and UPM students.

UPM at World Summit@Everest mission is a testament of alumni high spirit towards alma mater. According to Ravichandran upon his arrival at KLIA explained that this is his contribution to UPM which has been meritorious to him. He added, without the strength and support from UPM communities and top management, he will not be here today.  

“Alumni and alma mater are deemed to be in line with university’s vision and mission, and what I have accomplished today is my contribution to my alma mater as alumnus. My hope is that students will embrace this determination to strive for success. What is certain, success does not happen overnight,” he commented.   

According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof. Dr. Arifin Abdu, the effort displayed by Ravichandran proved a high determination which is capable to put UPM at the eyes of the world. 

“The journey to the peak of Everest is undeniably tough which require tremendous willpower. This determination will certainly inject the yearning to contribute to other alumni to put UPM reputation globally, and UPM mission at World Summit@Everest has been successfully realized by UPM alumni,” he commented.

Alumni are welcome to contribute back to alma mater according to their area of expertise. Through the second Vice-Chancellor aspiration’s ‘to produce students as good citizens’, the return of alumni to alma mater with their expertise is highly welcome and together strive for the university’s vision and mission.   

According to the Director of Alumni Relations Centre UPM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arba’ie Sujud, what has been accomplished by Ravichandran could raised students’ willpower to strive for success.

“Contributions can be in any forms. Today, Ravichandran as UPM alumnus has demonstrated what is meant by a strong will and high human capital to students. He also displayed the sense of togetherness with the university by placing UPM at the top of the world is not an impossible mission if accompanied by a high and will. In this mission, he managed to raise UPM flag at the height of over 7,800 feet.

“Even sweeter, his success was carved in the month UPM is celebrating UPM Alumni Day beginning on 21 May 2022. His accomplishment will set a benchmark for alumni to dedicate to the university according to each expertise. Alumni and alma mater are inseparable and together we enliven it through the slogan #daripadaalumnikepadaUPM.” He concluded.

However, his third ascend will not be the last because on next year he will ascend Mount Everest for the fourth time without using the help of oxygen tank.

Date of Input: 25/05/2022 | Updated: 01/06/2022 | suziana.wil