Beni, Myagdi, Nepal – February 29, 2024 – World-renowned mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja was celebrated at a grand reception in Beni, Myagdi, on Thursday, marking his extraordinary achievements in mountaineering. The event, organized by the Mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nims) Felicitation Main Ceremony Committee, drew participation from local government bodies, community organizations, and residents.
Purja, a native of Dana, Annapurna Rural Municipality-3, Myagdi, has garnered global acclaim for his record-breaking feats, including being the first to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters without supplemental oxygen and completing the Seven Summits across seven continents. His mountaineering journey began in Myagdi, with ascents of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
The ceremony, aimed at recognizing Purja’s contributions and promoting adventure tourism in the region, was a collaborative effort involving Beni Municipality, Annapurna Rural Municipality, Raghuganga, Mangala, Malika, and Dhaulagiri Rural Municipalities, the Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Milan Myagdi.
During his address, Purja shared his mountaineering experiences and emphasized the potential for Nepal’s development through adventure tourism. He called for grassroots initiatives to drive national progress. Fellow mountaineers Nibmadavid Sherpa and Purushottam Nepali also shared their insights.
The event was inaugurated by 101-year-old Bhairav Bahadur Humgain of Bhakimli, Beni Municipality-3. Speakers, including former Constituent Assembly member Resham Bahadur Baniya, Beni Municipality Mayor Surat KC, Annapurna Rural Municipality Vice Chairperson Divakumari Tilija Pun, Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Subin Shrestha, and student leader Prakash Poudel, highlighted the importance of developing Myagdi as an adventure tourism hub.
Attendees included Deputy Chief of Myagdi District Coordination Committee Dilkumari Khatri, Malika Rural Municipality Chairperson Beg Prasad Garbuja, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality Chairperson Prem Prasad Pun, Beni Municipality Deputy Chief Jyoti Lamichhane, Chief District Officer Gurudatta Dhakal, ward chairs, and local representatives.
A celebratory rally preceded the formal program, with residents of Beni welcoming Purja with traditional water pots and flower showers. The event was chaired by main coordinator Harikrishna Gautam and hosted by Federation of Nepali Journalists Myagdi Vice President Amit Bishwokarma.
