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| The MBA techie who climbed Everest - Chat with Malli Mastan Babu, an NIT, IIT, IIM alum and an expert mountaineer |
| Author : | thedesk |
| Institute : | |
| Posting Date : | 24/06/08 |
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| Total 21 vote(s). |  | |
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Chat with Malli Mastan Babu, Masters in Technology, Management and Mountain Climbing
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“Never Give Up, Never Give In!”
Malli Mastan Babu went to NIT, IIT and IIM. When he was done with them, he went and climbed Everest.
It would have seemed like the opening lines of a fiction novel, however the only difference being that Babu and his exceptional achievements are for real.
When he was small, Malli’s spark of inspiration was ignited by the valiant story of Lt MUB Rao who with other members of an Indian Army Expedition lost their lives in an avalanche while trying to scale Mt Everest. He worked a brief period as a senior software engineer at Satyam Computer Services Ltd for three years before his MBA (IIM C 04).
However, years later, having proven his academic brilliance at NIT, IIT and IIM, Malli would forgo a regular corporate career to pursue an extraordinary dream. That dream was to climb the highest peak in the world. Soon, along with Mt Everest he would go on to ascend the highest peaks of each of the seven continents in the fastest time in history (Just 172 days).
Malli Mastan Babu is living his passion and dream every day - of doing what he has always wanted to do. We caught up with him in between his busy outdoor schedule and asked him about his passion, times at the institutes he studied in amongst other things.
1) We read about your interests in pursuing outdoor adventure activities from early on in life. Who was your inspiration? Can you tell us a little more about that?
Attempting to climb Everest was my childhood dream. It somehow went into my mid after watching the unveiling of Lt. M.Uday Bhasker Rao when I was 11yrs old at Sainik School Korukonda, Andhra Pradesh. Lt. M.U.B Rao was part of 1985 Indian Army Expedition that lost 6 officers above 26,000ft when bad weather hit them.
2) As a student you ran the Adventure club at IIM Calcutta in 2003 and organized treks in western Himalayas, skiing, rock climbing, rafting and Vipaassana meditation courses. How did you balance your passions with the demands of the academic program at that stage? Also, what kind of a response did you get from the students in terms of interest shown in the field?
Yes, I did organize Adventure activities similar to that of any other campus club which does and my responsibilities were similar to that of any other club president. I guess, Academic institutions have space/scope for incorporating such extra currics.
I guess, Students appreciated the club activities well had good spirit about it.
3) You chose to opt out of placements at IIM. Was it an easy decision? What were the reactions of your close ones when you decided to venture into the field of mountaineering after IIM? How did you deal with the cynicism initially when you chose an unconventional route?
I really can’t think how difficult was it to opt out of placemets at IIM C But I guess, I was too excited to attempt Everest and lost in its lure to think of difficulties! But later after passing out of IIM, I did feet the difficulties of the tough choice I have made.
4) An increasing number of people are making their choices clear at the placement stage at the IIM. Some of them are now able to identify their interest and passion (mountaineering, music, social work etc) - that too at an early stage. Is it a pointer towards an encouraging trend?
I don’t know
5) You have been a shining example of excellence for everyone. What is your counsel to young professionals who go through tough career and professional choices? How should they look at assessing career-choice decisions?
One has to understand what happiness means to him/her and then exercise the choices with a determined mind. I guess the journey to give chance to your dreams will be enriching and not too a painful experience.
6) Tell us a little about your academic & professional background? What do you cherish most from your IIT and IIM days?
The experience of being surrounded by great minds and passionate guys thriving to succeed, though Success being defined in one’s own way.
I felt impressed and inspired by the knowledge and experience possessed by some of the Profs.
7) You mention ‘I am just living my life the way I want... and to most of the people it's crazy way of living!’ You also ‘don't intend to give up this crazy life in near future either’. There is a lot of passion in the statement about what you are pursuing. How do you manage to keep yourself going mentally when faced with continuous tough challenges? Apart from the inherent passion and talent, how much do you rely on other factors such as yoga, meditation etc to keep yourself focused all the time?
I am attempting to do a First Ever Solo circumnavigation of Khangchendzonga massif negotiating 8 of its main and subsidiary glaciers, crossing about 10 high passes (16000ft - 21,000ft) spanning about 800kms. I am also taking a new route.(details are provided below)
8) You started an adventure tourism company by the name of Mast Adventures. How difficult has it been to sell the concept of adventure tourism? Do you plan to expand your company’s reach across the country?
I have postponed the actual organizing of these activities but Ia m actively progressing towards making it a much bigger and strong venture along with the experience, knowledge through my accomplishments.
9) In the 6bridges community there are professionals who want to do their own thing and follow their dreams, but are undecided about making a beginning. What's your message for them?
Everybody has these similar thoughts. Those who are living the dreams are the people who have acted upon the choices they made. Stop analysis and act on the choice!
10) What advice do you have for regular professionals who are embedded in their hectic work life and want to pursue adventurous activities as a hobby can do so? Do you feel the decision to do so is more at the mental level?
There professionals who are going for adventure activities. It’s more about priorities and strong will power - yes, it’s at mental level.
11) You have climbed 7 summits in the fastest time, which is a remarkable achievement. They include ones that are as diverse as Mt Everest, Mt Aconcagua and Mt.Vinson Massif, which is closest to the South Pole. Which one would you describe as your toughest and most demanding climb as a mountaineer?
Vinson massif was extreme on Cold (negative 40 degrees), it was tough to endure it. Everest’s altitude the steep ice walls, sharp ridges over which I have to walk at 27,000ft demanded everything out of me - physical, Mental and Psychological.
12) Your Sainik school alums and your mates from IIT and IIM have been supportive of you by helping out through the rigours of visa and travel etc during your trips to the US, Russia etc? How much do you credit the strong bonds, camaraderie and affiliations that such institutions build during one’s stay there?
I cherish the upbringing of my Sainik School. I guess, the shaping years of childhood and Graduation days given the time duration available for interaction would allow people to give chance to several personality limitations between them and hence more bonding that later years. But I had good friends from IIM Calcutta among my batch-mates as well.
13) Do you ever regret anything in life? If you were to go to IIM again, hypothetically, would you make this choice of adventure again?
I don’t think I want to make any changes to the life I lived. I don’t want to know anything about my future either. I would want to experience and enjoy the flow of life as it unfolds for me.
14) Now that you have achieved the feat of climbing the 7 summits in record time, what are some of the goals that you have set for yourself in the near future? Have you thought of penning down your experiences in the form of a book sometime?
I am writing down my experiences as and when I feel like between the future projects that I plan and research to know more about them.
15) Billy Graham, the American evangelist once said “Winners take time to relish their work, knowing that scaling the mountain is what makes the view from the top so exhilarating.” Mountains enable us to see rare sights that are compellingly beautiful. What is the most beautiful sight you have seen in your climbs?
The view from the top of Everest was unbelievable; Climbing in Antarctica was like living another planet. The beauty of mountain valleys with carpets of alpine flowers lakes, clouds streaking from the summits as well as adorning the cliffs and the changing hues of clouds with the variation of sun’s light were all the creation of god.
I felt as though I experienced bliss and beauty in nature. I felt very happy!
Malli's Next Expedition:
Below are Malli’s plans for his upcoming attempt at the first ever solo circumnavigation of Khangchendzonga (Mt. Kanchenjunga) massif - the tallest peak of India, which involves crossing its glaciers and high passes as close to the mountain as possible and through a new route.
For more on Malli, please visit his website: http://www.1stindian7summits.com
First Ever Solo Khangchendzonga Circuit
Mission:
Attempt of First ever solo circumnavigation of Khangchendzonga massif by Malli Mastan Babu (World’s Fastest 7 Summiteer), crossing its glaciers and high passes as close to the mountain as possible and through a new route. It requires navigating 8 glaciers, climbing and trekking 10 high passes (16,000 - 21,000ft) through rugged mountain terrain of approximately 800 kms.
Date: 3rd Sept 2008 - 18th Oct 2008 (45 days); Distance: Apprx. 800 Kms,
Introduction & History:
Khangchendzonga, the tallest peak of India is considered to be the guarding deity of Sikkim; myths galore to elevate its rep of being a revered and esoteric Himalayan giant. Only four expeditions have attempted trekking round Khangchendzonga massif since 1880’s till date. The first one in Oct 1884 by the Indian survey pundit Rinzing Namgyal (Sikkim), European expedition led by Douglas Freshfield in Sept 1899, Fransis Smythe as part of “International Expedition, 1930” which attempted Khangchendzonga summit under the leadership of Dyhrenfurth, “Parbat Abhiyatri Sangha, Calcutta” led by Lhatoo Dorjee in 1992. And there were no attempts after that. These expeditions though called themselves as round Khangchendzonga; they haven’t done the true round trek but trekked partly and taken the vehicle upon reaching road head as they moved away from the mountain. The new route that I am attempting will achieve this objective of true round trek of Khangchendzonga massif.
Motto:: To inspire Indians to imbibe the below virtues:
v Dream Big
v Think Innovative Goals and Creative strategy
v Spirit of Adventure
v Perseverance & Physical toughness
v Exhibit Courage & Conviction
v Push the limits of Endurance and performance
v Collate the historic 1899 Douglas Freshfield’s expedition with today’s physical features and the Environmental and cultural changes along the route.
My prior Adventure & Endurance Achievements
Ø World’s Fastest 7 Summiteer (172 days; Jan19 - July 10, 2006)
Ø Etched name in the Limca Book of World Records
Ø Only South Asian to accomplish 7 summits
Ø Only person to traverse the 4-dhams trekking and climbing mountain ranges negotiating high passes (5500 - 6000m) between them spanning 900 kms (June 7 - July 22nd, 2007)
Ø First Indian to run 14 half marathons (21.1 kms) in 14 days in 14 states of India contouring the country
Route:
Part 1: (Start) Tonglu - Sandakphu - Chewa Bhanjyang - Kang la(5200m) - Dzongri - Guicha la (4940m)
Part 2: Guicha la - Tolung Chu - Sakyong - Tolung Gumpa - Kishong la (5200m) - Yaktang (Zemusamdang)
Part 3: Yaktang - Thangchung la (5600m) - Theu la (5300m) - Langpo - Jansong glacier - Jansong la
Part 4: Jansong la (6147m) - Pagpema - Kangbachen - Gunsa - Lapsong la (5200m) - Rathong la (5600m) - Dzongri - Yuksom - Gangtok (Finish)
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| Total 21 vote(s). | | |
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 | Messages/Opinions |
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|  | 1) Trek Update_9th Sept 2008
Mastan Babu Malli IIM (C)'04 |10/09/08 | replies: 0| Post Reply | | |
Hi:
I am in Gangtok and in the final stages of planning& leaving for the trek:
Everest - Kanchenjunga - Singalila trek.
I will reach Delhi on 11th and fly for Kathmandu on 13th and resume Everest Trek along with an IIM C mate, He will come to India after trekking for 15 days and I would continue from there towards Kanchenjunga, the do round Kanchejunga and follow, Singalila ridge to arrive at Darjeeling. Then travel to Gangtok for some rest.
My latest plan/route:
Part1:
Lukla - Naamche - Thame - Renjo la 5380m - Gokyo - Cho la 5320m - Everest base camp - Kongma la 5600m - Chukung
Part2:
Chukung - Amphulapcha la 5845m - West Col 6135m - Sherpani col 6145m - Makalu base camp - Chepuwa - Thudam -Walungchung - Nango la 5200m - Gunsa
Part3: K Circuit
Gunsa - Lapsong la 5200m - Rathong la 5300m - Guicha la - Kishong la 5200m - Zemu - Theu la 5100m - Thanchung la 5200m - Jansong la 6200m - Pangpema - Gunsa
Part4:
Gunsa - Mirgin la - Sele la - Kang la 5200m - Chewabhanjyang - Sandakphu - Tonglu - Manebhanjyang - Darjeeling.
Send Personal Mail |
|  | 2) Everest to Kanchenjunga And Kanchenjunga Circuit Expedition - Part 2
Mastan Babu Malli IIM (C)'04 |10/09/08 | replies: 0| Post Reply | | |
Route Description:
Begin Expedition: India - Kathmandu (Fly) ; Kathmandu - lukla (fly)
Part 1 (18 days): Everest Circuit
Lukla - Namche - Gokyo; Mt. ChoOyu 8201m Base Camp
Gokyo - Chola5330m - Everest 8850m Base Camp
EBC - Lobuche - Kongma la 5600m- Chukung - Lhotse 8516m Base camp
Part 2 (20 days): a) Everest - Makalu Trek
Chukung - Amphu lapcha pass 5875m - West Col 6135m - Sherpani col 6145m - Makalu 8485m base camp
(Refer: Part1 map below)
b) Makalu - Kanchenjunga
Makalu base camp - Walungchong - Nango la - Gunsa (Kanchenjunga)
(Refer Part2 map of attachment)
Part 3 (35days): Kanchenjunga Circuit
Sec: 7 days
Gunsa - Lapsong la - Yalung Gl. - Rathong la - Oklangthang. - Guicha la - Talung Gl.
Sec2: 10 days
Talung Gl. - Sakyong - Kishong la - Zemu Gl. - Theu la - Thangchung la - Upper Lhonak
Sec3: 7 days
Upper Lhonak - Goma chu - Jansong la 6150m - Pangpema - Gunsa
Part 4: 10 days; Kanchenjunga - Darjeeling; Singalila Ridge
Gunsa - Mirgin la - Kang la 5200m - Chewa bhanjang - Sandakphu - Tonglu - Darjeeling
(End of Expedition)
Total Number of High Passes Crossed:
Glaciers visited:
Around Everest
Ngozumpa (Cho Oyu), Khumbhu (Everest), Imja Glacier, Hongu Glacier, Barun, Makalu
Around Kanchejunga:
Yalung, Talung , Tongshyong, Simvu glacier, Zemu, Lhonak and Jansong, Kangchen,
Base Camps Visited:
Cho Oyu 5200m (South side, Nepal), Everest 5300m (Nepal), Pumori 5700m, Lhotse Shar 5100m, Islad peak 5300m, Barun Tse 5450m, Makalu 5200m, Kanchenjunga on all four sides.
Send Personal Mail |
| | 3) Everest to Kanchenjunga And Kanchenjunga Circuit Expedition
Mastan Babu Malli IIM (C)'04 |10/09/08 | replies: 0| Post Reply | | |
I guess, you remember me telling you that I am attempting an expedition called "Kanchenjunga Circuit" which is high altitude circumnavigation of Kanchenjunga Massif.
I have extended my mission a bit further and now want to attempt a bigger Adventure:
Everest Region to Kanchenjunga traversing high altitude passes between 18000 - 21,000ft and visiting the base camps of 5 of the first Six tallest peaks in the world - Everest 8850m, Kanchenjunga 8586m, Lhotse 8516m, Cho Oyu 8201m. barring only K2 which is POK.
After doing Everest - Kanchenjunga, I would like to do the Round Kanchenjunga trek and then follow the singalila ridge bordering India nepal to arrive near Darjeeling.
The total distance walked will be approx 1500km, and duration = 80days; and 17 high altitude passes (5000 - 6200m).
Please see below the details and maps of the expedition.
Everest to Kanchenjunga And Kanchenjunga Circuit Expedition
Mission:
To undertake "First Ever" high altitude expedition from Everest region (Nepal) to Kanchenjunga traversing the high altitude passes and visiting the base camps of 5 of the first six tallest peaks of the world such as Everest 8850m, Kanchenjunga 8586m, Lhotse 8516m, Makalu 8463m, Cho Oyu 8201m and their glaciers en route.
Dates: Sep 14 - Nov 30, 2008
Total Duration: 80days approx.;
Total Distance: 1500kms approx.;
Total Passes: 17 (Between 5000 - 6200m)
Malli Mastan Babu: World’s Fastest 7 Summiter
I have achieved several International and national records in the field of Mountaineering and endurance events such as marathons. In 2006, I have climbed the tallest peak in each of the seven continents in a span of 172 days and set a world record; besides accomplishing several Indian records. In 2007, I undertook 900km of High altitude traverse of 4 Dhams (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath) in the Garhwal Himalayas becoming the first ever to do so at one stretch. In later half 2007, I ran 14 half marathons in 14 states of in India in 14 days each day running 21.2km and flying to the next destination. I have also run 8 full marathons (42.2km) and 3 half marathons in 13 days in 10 different states of India.
Now I would like to embark on this epic Himalayan Adventure!
Everest - Kanchenjunga, and @Kanchenjunga Introduction:
A Challenging route through high altitude passes and glaciers exists between Everest Kanchenjunga. The first part (18days) of the trek goes towards West of Everest leading to Cho Oyu 8201m, after Cho la 5330m crossing the route enters to Khumbhu valley, and then via Kongma la 5600m it leads to Chukung valley to the south of Lhotse Shar.
The second part of the expedition (10days), from Chukung Valley to Makalu Base exists another adventurous route through very high passes such as Amphulapcha 5845, West Col 6135m and Sherpani col 6145m. Between them lie Imja, Hongu, Barun and Makalu glaciers. Then the route from Makalu to Kanchenjunga follows a moderate altitude traverse through several nepali villages before reaching Gunsa at the foothills of Kanchenjunga, Nepal.
Next part of the expedition goes round Kanchenjunga massif, negotiating the glaciers and traversing the high passes as close to the mountain as possible. Such an attempt was made only thrice in the history (1884, 1898, 930) till now. The route that I designed is very new and more challenging than the earlier ones. After circumnavigation of Kanchenjunga massif the route follows the Singalila ridge from Kanchenjunga and terminates at Sandakphu, 12,000ft a village bordering India and Nepal which offers best views of Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga.
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| | 4) Goodluck on circumnavaigation.
Anil Rao IT BHU'98 |13/08/08 | replies: 0| Post Reply | | | |
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