A Life Lived Fully — In Honour Of Lt Commander Yogesh Tiwari And His Team Mates
By A Naval Officer
(Lt Commander RajniKant Yadav, Lt Cdr Yogesh Tiwari, Lt Cdr Anant Kukreti and MCPO II Mari Om have perished on Mount Trishul. The Nation has been deeply anguished by this tragedy where we have lost young and courageous lives).
With deep respect and huge regrets, I pen down a few lines to honour the life of one of most adventurous and enthusiastic persons I ever knew in my life – a dear friend, a role-model! Popularly known as YT, Lt Cdr Yogesh Tiwari, was a humble, intellectually bright, lion-hearted naval officer with sound military bearing and astute skills of an adventurer, cyclist, diver, horse rider, ultra – marathoner and a mountaineer! We lost him whilst on an expedition to Mount Trishul (7,120 m ~23,360 ft ) on 02 Oct 2021 due an avalanche.
He always encouraged and trained, everyone around him to add some pinch of adventure in their lives! Such an energetic soul who inspired many to take up adventure as a way of life ! Right from his school days at RIMC, Dehradun, Lt Cdr Yogesh Tiwari has been an active sports person and considered adventure sports as a form of meditation. He has successfully completed some the most challenging and reputed marathons and ultra marathons all across the country.In 2019-2020, he completed Border Ultra (100 miles) and SRT Ultra (53k) and maiden Maha-Navy Connect, tri-dimensional expedition of 555 km of running, cycling and yachting conducted by Indian Navy. He was instrumental in planning and conduct of the expedition due his vast experience. In 2019, the Officer successfully completed Hell Race High5 ultra marathon running full marathons for five consecutive days on Manali Leh highway and broke the previous course record set by an Australian ultra runner, Mr David Cole.
Some of the prestigious and challenging events won by him include Solang Sky Ultra (100K, 6600 m elevation gain) where he finished 2nd runners Up, La Ultra The High (111K), 12 hour Mumbai Ultra (94km, 3rd pos), Deccan Ultra (75K), Mashobra Ultra Shimla (70K), Snow Ultra Manali (50K, Winner), Matheran Endurathon (50K), BNP Ultra (50K) and Ultra Warrior (50K, 3rd pos). The officer’s connection with mountainous terrain dated back to his training time at NDA wherein trekking and cycling to Singhgad fort was his regular affair. His familiarity with forts further expanded during Deccan Ultra (75km) which included Maharashtra’s highest peak Kalsubai and three other peaks viz Alang, Madan and Kulang which are supposedly most difficult hike is south India.
The officer has been also an immaculate long distance cyclist with two national and a world record to his name. He along with Lt Cdr Rajnikant Yadav whom also we lost in this tragedy, cycled nonstop across 11 highest mountain passes of the world (including five highest motorable passes of the world). He has participated in some of the most reputed cycling events and has won laurels for the Indian Navy.
He has been a seasoned mountaineer as well. He has climbed more than 11 mountain peaks in various expeditions, which include some of the India’s highest and most technical peaks. He was also an advance open water diver, glider pilot, skier and a passionate horse rider.
The nation, Navy, his family, friends and the adventure seekers have lost a stalwart who led by example, who loved adventure and adored the mountain peaks. An immaculate combination of skills, patience and humility, YT, you will be missed for everything you did! Rest in peace, Braveheart! Will continue to imbibe and spread the spirit of adventure, as you always did and always wanted to ! You taught us all how to live a fulfilling life!
