The Biggest National Flag Unfurls Atop Mt. Rhenock

The record for hoisting the biggest Indian flag atop Mt. Rhenock was set by Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, led by Group Captain Jai Kishan. They hoisted the Indian flag, measuring 7,500 square feet (696.77 square metres) and weighing 70 kg, on Mt. Rhenock in Sikkim, symbolising the glorious journey of 75 years of Indian Independence.

Capt. Jai Kishan, an accomplished skydiver and mountaineer, likes to think out of the box and encourage people to accept challenges amidst a crisis to set new milestones. He is amongst the very few mountaineers in the country who had climbed the highest peaks in American Continent including, Mt. Denali and Mt Aconcagua. He along with a team of 70 members including, 15 mountaineering instructors, 5 support staff, and 45 trainees from the Basic Mountaineering Course unfurled the biggest National Flag.

Talking about the inspiration behind the record, Capt. Jai Kishan says, “The expedition had multiple aims and objectives like, to commemorate 75 years of Independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Utsav’ and pay tribute to the Corona warriors. Amidst all the negativity amongst people due to Covid-19, we thought to spread some positivity, show a ray of hope. A hope, that the way we won our fight for freedom; we Indians shall win the war against Covid-19.”

The trek started from Yuksom, leading to Tshoka, 9000 feet above sea level, then to Dzongri, 14000 feet above sea level. Finally, on the 4th day, they arrived at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute base Camp Chaurikhang, 14600 feet above sea level. The trek to HMI base camp was a challenging one while carrying a backpack, negotiating uphill slopes in snowy conditions, slippery rocky trails, and sub-zero temperature. The team trekked for 7 to 9 hours daily, covering 15 km in a single day. While en route, they were accompanied by the scenic view of Rhododendron blooms and yaks grazing all around.

Further elaborating on the difficulties faced, Captain says, “The making of the flag took place in the HMI workshop and consisted of three panels, 50 x50 metres each. The real challenge was to carry the flag panels at 16500 feet above sea level, along with the setting of anchors and rope, maintaining all flag protocols, sub-zero temperature and extreme snowfall and blizzards. It took us almost six months of planning, preparation, and making fellow team members understand the concept.”

Hoisting the National Flag and singing the National anthem at such a high altitude was a very emotional sight for Captain, and by the end of the National Anthem, he couldn’t hold back his tears, reminiscence Capt. Jai Kishan.

Capt. Jai Kishan says, “The expedition had multiple aims and objectives like, to commemorate 75 years of Independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Utsav’ and pay tribute to the Corona warriors.