Uhuru - My Long Walk to Freedom..!!

Huffing and puffing, Huffing, and puffing, Huffing, and puffing, Huffing, and puffing….!

[Stanley] – Ani, Poley – Poley…We will get there...! Look to your right...!!!

[Anirudhe] – Yes Stanly, Poley-Poley, Kilimanjaro – My Uhuru

I suddenly woke up from my slumber with his voice, my lead guide Stanley. Tears that rolled down my cheek were frozen at -20 degrees Celsius. I asked myself, what time is it??  We started 30 minutes past midnight for our summit push...!! The freezing wind brushed my already dried lips as I looked towards my right, a faint orange line over the ridge... My heart sprung with joy and a sudden gush of enthusiasm; I shouted in a faint voice… “SUNRISE.”

The next few hours passed by soaking myself in the belief that “Roof of Africa” was waiting for me as the sunlight glistened on that snowy path and gave me my breath back...!!

This last 4.5 km, which took me 7 hours and 55 minutes to climb 1000 meters left me with memories of a lifetime.

It was not till the third day of sitting by the edge of the jagged rock that I knew the meaning of “Uhuru,” Freedom.

Attempting to summit Uhuru is more than just the climb, meeting new people, and experiencing the terrain it is also a way of learning about yourself, your values, your beliefs, and your ambitions. This climb will challenge you, inspire you, and even heal you. It can also make you cry but in a good way.

Anthony Bourdain, the famous chef, author, and traveller, once said, “Travel is not always pretty. It is not always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that is okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

Some experiences, as unkind as they were, have also taught me valuable lessons. They have taught me to be more resilient, adaptable, and resourceful. They have taught me to appreciate what I have and to empathize with those who have less. They have taught me to be more open-minded, curious, and respectful of other perspectives. They have taught me to be more humble, grateful, and compassionate. They have also made me realize that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places and that sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones that are not planned or perfect.

As I learned from our team in Tanzania, climbing is not only about the destination but also about the journey. Climbing is not just a physical endurance, but also a mental and emotional transformation. It changes you, and it should change you. It changes the way you see the world, yourself, and others. It changes the way you think, feel, and act. It changes your values, your beliefs, and your aspirations.

I can say that Kili has changed me in many ways. It has broadened my horizons, enriched my knowledge, and enhanced my skills. It has challenged my assumptions, confronted my biases, and expanded my awareness. It has inspired me to be more curious and ignited my passion. It has also shaped my identity, influenced my decisions, and guided my path.

Sitting on that summit, that morning has left marks on my soul, on my consciousness, and on my body. I have collected memories that I will cherish forever, stories that I will share with others, and photos that I will look back on with nostalgia.

The journey of life is not only about taking but also about giving. Life is not just a consumption, but also a contribution. Life is a privilege and a responsibility. Life is not only about what you take with you but also about what you leave behind.

Everyone has many takeaways from a Kili climb, I have two.

1.      Life is a journey of the unknown, never stop exploring.

We will get to experience the most spectacular emotions, only when we pursue in discomfort…

2.      There is nothing more important than - Freedom.

The big question is what I now do with my Uhuru (Freedom)…

I can take it for granted…I can forget about it… can I nurture it to craft my days to come...!!!