Our Bureau
Leonia, NJ
Jafar Ismail climbed Mount Everest after years of training and conquering other summits.
“It has been a childhood dream for me to stand on the summit of Mount Everest. At times, I had thought that the dream would remain a dream. But I am happy to report that I fulfilled my dream. On May 19, 2024, 7:24 AM Nepal time I finally stood on the summit of my Mount Everest. Happy and exhilarated, but exhausted after 11 1/2 hour climb, My supporting Sherpa, Dorjee took this picture of me on the summit,” posted Ismail on Linkedin.
Ismail was senior project manager with Pegasystems. He has a master’s degree in computer science from Iona University in New York and a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from Marine Engineering College in Kolkata (DMET).
He further wrote, “Return from the summit, was the bigger ordeal as my vision had become blurry due to snow blindness, and mild frostbite. Navigating the descent from the Hillary step, and then the South Summit was the scariest part of my day. It took me about nine hours to return to camp 4, A journey that should have typically taken 4 to 5 hours.”
“This achievement is by no means a solo endeavor. it could not have been possible without the support from my family and friends, who were cheering me on every step of the way. Knowing that hundreds of people love me and wanted me to succeed fed my motivation to put one foot ahead of the other to finally reach the roof of the world at 8848.86 m. I thank each and every one of them, added Ismail.
Ismail believes that the journey to Everest and back has been the most physically daunting and mentally challenging expedition of his life. He said, “But it was worth it. I am glad that I followed my dream, and I am now an Everester!”
