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Award Ceremony
 Geeta
and myself arrived in London on 28th of May, one day before the 50th
Anniversary of 1st ascent of Everest. Same evening, we participated
at a major reception at the Alpine Club to celebrate Everest. More than 200
people were drinking champagne and we were all very happy to meet old friends
and renew contacts. In fact, Chris Bonington, the past President of the Alpine
Club mentioned, “Harish, RGS must be giving you medal but we got you first”.
I am already an honorary member of the Alpine Club elected few years before.
Next day on 29th of May, we attended the presentation about Everest,
1st ascent and its history at the Odeon Theatre at Leicester Square.
This was the Royal Gala performance where Her Majesty, The Queen was
present. In
fitness of things, Geeta and myself were given a seat in the Royal box just few
rows away from Her Majesty. The programme was conducted with dignity and the
Royal party arrived sharp at 6.00 p.m. when everybody stood to attention and
‘God Save the Queen’ was sung with gusto. And then without any ado,
speeches or lectures or welcoming with garlands and flowers the show
began, conducted by David Attenbourogh.
Once the show which traced
the entire history of Everest in the British eyes with Bonington,
Venables and all the living members
of 1953 team was completed, everybody got up, clapped and the Royal party
left quietly. It was very nice to see that no speeches were made and the
program, ‘The Celebration of Everest’ was the main theme.
 From
the theatre we traveled by the
special cars sent
by the Palace
to St. James Palace, Spencer House. There a special reception was to be
held. Again champagne and food was flowing in plenty. Her Majesty and Duke of
Edinburgh came for first half an hour and few selected people were introduced to
her. When
they past next to us, the khukri that I was wearing in memory of Nawang was
noted and they asked, “Is this some Gorkha symbol”, I said, “Yes, my son
was in the Gorkha regiment”. And George Band who was standing next to them
briefed them about Lt. Nawang and his sacrifice. ‘Is there still plenty of
troubles in Kashmir?’ they inquired.
The
Duke of Edinburgh had a look at the khukri closely and said, “That seems to be
some Indian symbol” to which I replied, “Yes, that’s the Ashoka Chakra,
the state emblem” and the party moved on. Of course, the champagne flowed till
late in the evening and a very enjoyable and memorable day of meeting the Queen
ended.
Then
the scene moved to 2nd June at the headquarters of the Royal
Geographical Society.
Geeta, myself with Savita, Raina and Mrs. Edila Gaitonde our great aunt
reached the Society’s building by 3 o’clock. There was a photo session where
several portraits of mine were taken which would be kept in the archives for
many years and pictures with the President of the RGS and other recipients were
taken.
 The
Annual General Meeting began at 3.30 p.m. and after half hour of discussions,
the award presentation ceremony took place.
When my citation for the award for the ‘Patron’s Gold Medal’ was
read by the President of the RGS, six to ten slides of the work that I have done
in mountains were projected on the scene and background. And after the citation
I was called onto the podium and to thunderous applause, and the Gold Medal
was presented. The acceptance speech lasting about six minutes was read
to the audience. Few others also received the award immediately thereafter.
Once the ceremony was over, it was back to champagne, good food and
meeting many old friends. In the crowd was Lord Chorley
who was the President of the Alpine Club when I organized my first
Indo-British joint venture to East Karakorams. Stephen Venables, Patrick Fagen Ian
MacNaught Davis and Loretto and several other friends made up for our evening.
At
the entrance of the RGS near the main door, list of all the gold medal winners
since 1837 has been painted on the wall. As I entered I noticed that against
year 2003, there was a little black patch. No sooner the award was given, the
black patch was removed and there was my name already written and ready.
Somebody said it with a smile, “Now we will look after it for next 100
years”! But
that was a very thoughtful and well organized gesture.
 Nigel
Winser who
is the Deputy Director of RGS and his wife Shane, both explorers and recipient
of medals in their own right, were present in the audience and we had a long
chat with them along with Dr. Rita Gardner, the Director of RGS.
Finally we shook hand with the President, Sir Ron Cooke who had presented
me the award and took leave of the
RGS but the warm friends will not leave us at that.
The entire party moved to 80 Abingdon Street, the home of our friend, Ian
MacNaught-Davis and Loretto. Indian food was ordered, more champagne
flowed and we were joined by Patrick Fagen and
Charlotte Langley for dinner. And finally tired, but extremely happy, we
reached Savita Apte’s house, a little later than midnight.
Next
morning, I was at the airport at 7.00 a.m. flying home with the medal and Sonam
received me at the airport.
No
sooner we reached home, the medal was kept next to the portrait of Nawang and
truly it was presented to him.
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