IITB Alumnus, Mr. Vivek Shivade, Summits Mount Everest

At IIT Bombay, excellence takes many forms. While the Institute is renowned for its contributions to engineering, science, technology, and research, the journeys of its alumni extend far beyond traditional boundaries. Across generations, IIT Bombay graduates have pursued diverse paths, followed their passions, embraced challenges, and created impact in fields that reflect their curiosity, courage, and determination.

In this inspiring alumni milestone, we feature the remarkable journey of Mr. Vivek Shivade (B.Tech. & M.Tech., Metallurgy and Materials Science Engineering, 2013), who recently stood atop Mount Everest after a journey that began during his student years at IIT Bombay. What started as a summer mountaineering course during his first year at the Institute evolved into a lifelong passion and a professional pursuit in adventure education and high-altitude mountaineering.

Here, Mr. Shiwvade shares this extraordinary journey in his own words: from the experiences that shaped his mindset at IIT Bombay, to the mentors who guided him, and the perseverance that ultimately led him to the summit of the world’s highest peak.

Journey from IIT Bombay to Everest

On 21st May 2026, I stood on the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. As I looked across the vast expanse of the Himalayas, a thought – this achievement was never mine alone, crossed my mind repeatedly.

The journey that culminated on the summit of Everest had begun nearly two decades earlier, not in the mountains, but in the hostel 3 room no. 137 of IIT Bombay.

I graduated in 2013 with a B.Tech and M.Tech degree in Metallurgy and Materials Science Engineering. Unlike most students, I embraced IITB with over heart and with a curiosity of countless possibilities ahead of me. What I did not know then was that one decision taken during a summer vacation would completely alter the course of my life.

At the end of my first year, my friends and I were wondering how to spend our three-month summer break. It was then that one of our seniors, Kedar Gokhale, suggested that we enroll for a Basic Mountaineering Course in the Himalayas. More than a recommendation, it was an encouragement. He told us that the course would transform our lives. We trusted our seniors and embarked for the 26-day programme.

Looking back today, I can confidently say that he was right.

Those 26 days were far more than technical training in climbing mountains. It was an education in life itself. We underwent gruelling fitness regimes, carried 20-22 kg loads on our backs and climbed into thin air, endured subzero colds, slept in tents, survived relentless rains and at times snowfalls. Yet we stood up each day brimming with energy and will to enjoy more discomfort. This was something I had never experienced. And this experience became my greatest teacher. It imbibed self-confidence, resilience, discipline and the courage to face uncertainty. It instilled a belief that challenges were worth pursuing even when success was not guaranteed.

When I returned from the Himalayas, I was no longer the same person. Until then, I had been a shy, introverted and somewhat hesitant teenager. The training enhanced my physical fitness, but the experience transformed my mindset. I began to trust myself. That newfound confidence started influencing every aspect of my life.

What made this transformation even more remarkable was that I came from a family with absolutely no background in mountaineering. Before the course, my only exposure to the mountains had been a single Himalaya trek with my elder cousin. Yet, those 26 days planted a seed that would eventually grow into a lifelong passion and profession.

As my years at IIT Bombay progressed, mountaineering and willingness to work in the field of adventure education continued to draw me towards itself. By the time I reached my final year, I found myself standing at another crossroads. I wanted to do the Advanced Mountaineering Course, a decision that would prove equally significant. Unlike the earlier course, this time there were no friends accompanying me. The terrain was tougher, the

challenges greater, and the expectations higher. It was an opportunity to discover whether I truly belonged in the world of mountaineering. Around the same time, another influential figure entered my journey – Professor Dr. Parag Bhargava. One sentence that he shared has remained with me ever since: “Do anything in life, but nothing below excellence.”

Those words became a guiding principle. They encouraged me not only to pursue an unconventional path, but to pursue it with commitment and the highest standards possible. The confidence shown by Professor Bhargava gave me the courage to think beyond traditional career choices and consider mountaineering as a serious pursuit.

Soon afterwards, I came in contact with Giripremi – a 44 year old pioneering mountaineering club in Pune.

Meeting Umesh Zirpe, Bhushan Harshe and the entire Giripremi family opened a new chapter in my life. Under their guidance, I began my professional journey in mountaineering and adventure education. I had the opportunity to work alongside Bhushan Harshe as a full-time field instructor and contribute to the institute’s syllabus and content development from the very beginning.

Over the last eleven years, this journey has been deeply fulfilling. We have trained more than 15,000 individuals who pursued adventure, mountaineering and outdoor education, developed various adventure curricula from school kids to University levels. I have had the privilege of climbing some of the world’s great mountains, including Mount Kanchenjunga, the highest peak in India, and ultimately Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth.

Among the many milestones, one that remains especially memorable is being part of the world’s first successful ascent of Mount Meru South from its West Face, a climb that demanded immense perseverance, teamwork and determination.

Yet, when I reflect upon these achievements, I do not see them as isolated accomplishments. I see a chain of people who appeared at crucial moments and helped shape my path.

A cousin who took me to a Himalaya trek.

A senior who introduced me to mountaineering.

A professor who taught me the importance of excellence.

Mentors who provided guidance, opportunities and trust.

Parents who supported my decisions even when the world I was entering was unfamiliar to them.

My parents deserve special mention. Although they had no prior understanding of mountaineering, they never discouraged my choices. Instead, they stood firmly by me and even became active participants in various Giripremi activities. Their unwavering faith gave me strength during both successful and difficult times.

When I finally reached the summit of Everest on 21st May 2026, I carried all these people with me in thoughts. The summit was not merely the result of physical preparation or climbing skill. It was the culmination of countless acts of encouragement, trust, mentorship and support received over the years.

So I believe I am a lucky person. Pursuing a professional career in a less traveled path.. It happened with seeking the guidance from the right people at the right time, and having the courage to follow the path they helped me discover.

I remain deeply grateful to Kedar Gokhale, Professor Dr. Parag Bhargava, Umesh Zirpe, Bhushan Harshe, the entire Giripremi family, my family, and the countless well-wishers who have contributed to this journey.

If it weren’t for them, dreams wouldn’t have transformed into reality.

Above all, I remain grateful to my alma mater. Beyond academics, it gave me an environment where curiosity was encouraged, opportunities were abundant, courage was rewarded, and life-changing experiences could take root.

If it weren’t for IITBombay, the dream wouldn’t have hatched in the first place.

Vivek Shivade

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