28 July 2019: "Touching My Father’s Soul" penned by Jamling Tenzing Norgay unfolds the captivating narrative of the first Sherpa Mr. Tenzing Norgay to climb the summit of Jomolungma, popularly known as Mount Everest, alongside the renowned British climber Sir Edmund Hillary.
This memoir, artfully composed from the perspective of a Sherpa, Jamling Tenzing, son of Tenzing Norgay, delves into the profound dichotomy between the notions of 'conquer' and 'submission' in the realm of mountaineering. It tries to capture the motivations that drive individuals to risk their lives in pursuit of standing atop the world's highest peak. The book is a kind of testament that portrays Jamling trying to seek the mystery behind his father's relentless pursuit of Everest. Through the exploration of Mr. Tenzing Norgay's six daring attempts to ascend Everest, each perilous endeavor risking his own life, the memoir unveils a poignant father-son relationship and the profound forces that propel a climber to such extraordinary feats.
The book also unfolds a vivid tableau of Sherpa's life, providing intimate glimpses into their socio-economic conditions, cultural evolution interwoven with spiritual beliefs, and the intricacies of their identity. The narrative also unravels the behind-the-scenes making of the IMAX film 'Everest' and the tribulations encountered during its production, offering readers a multifaceted perspective on the challenges faced by mountaineers. As I finish reading this book, I also find myself resonating with the notion that, for mountaineers, ascending peaks is a form of pilgrimage—an ascension towards a spiritual way of life. The author eloquently captures the sentiment that, regardless of a climber's prowess or experience, the crux lies in being chosen for the ascent. As Jamling said- ''we never conquered Everest, Everest chose us, let us climb, that is why we were finally able to reach the summit. The Everest is like a mother who understands, guides, and protects those who are diligent and persistent but not impatient''.
