ON TOP OF THE WORLD!
(Story of Old Nabhaite, Everester Malkiat Singh. B-654, 1986)
Malkiat with PPS Placard atop Everest. The School which laid his foundations and gave him the potential to grow.
On 19th May, 2024 an Old Nabhaite Malkiat Singh (B-654,1981-1986 ISC) now a citizen of New Zealand successfully climbed Mt Everest or Sagarmatha as Nepalese call it (8848.86m). It was nothing short of a miracle, for he was not only 53years of age to attempt such a feat of endurance but had no significant experience of high mountaineering or relevant training for attempting this climb. The news of his unique achievement spread like wild fire among Old Nabhaites across the world.
The thrill experienced by schoolmates of a mountaineer who conquered Mt. Everest is a mix of awe, pride, and exhilaration. As they hear the news of their schoolmate/friend’s monumental achievement, a wave of excitement ripples through them, transforming their admiration into shared euphoria. The once-distant, almost mythical peak now feels intimately connected to their own lives, a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that can arise from perseverance and ambition. They exchange stories of their shared school days, marvelling at how their peer’s/ senior’s/junior’s determination and courage have elevated them to the pinnacle of the world, and bask in the collective pride of witnessing someone they shared school with become a living legend. As a proud alumnus of The Punjab Public School, Nabha, his remarkable achievements continue to inspire and ignite the dreams of countless others.
In a contemplating mood
Journey of Life
The beginning
Malkiat Singh, is a son of the soil from the village of Bour, in what is now district Fatehgarh Sahib. The village, in those years, was in a remote rural area without proper road connections, about 10kms from Bassi Pathana and similar distance interior from Sanghol on the present Chandigarh Ludhiana highway. Sanghol is famous ancient site of Harrapan civilisation and seat of a Budha Stupa that existed there. It used to lie on ancient route of Mathura in UP to Taxilla in the Northwest.
Malkiat was born into a humble Jat Sikh family. His parents, Sardar Bant Singh and Sardarni Gurmail Kaur, imbued him with the values of perseverance and hard work that would guide him through life’s many challenges. The family was deeply religious and god fearing. They had moved to Bour from a nearby village Toddarpur. The family is also known in the village as Toddarpuria family.
The small village of Bour from outside on the road from Sanghol on Chandigarh Ludhiana highway.
His father who served with the British Army in Burma realised the value of education. He made sure that six children including siblings and friends of Malkiat studied well. He engaged a rickshaw to take them every day from the village to a private School in Bassi about 10miles away where there was an elementary English School. There were no proper roads or vehicles, then.
Below is a picture I took of one such friend from his village Amar Singh Lambardar who also went to Bassi school with Malkiat on that rickshaw.
On the left brother Manjit Singh, Centre Amar Singh Lambardar and an acquaintance from village.
The old Family House in the village
This picture I took of Malkiat’s brother Manjit who looks after the family agricultural fields in village Moud and his sister Paramjit Kaur who was visiting from Australia.
My wife Sudeep with the brother and sister outside the village home.
The Punjab Public School Period
This Bassi school was only till class V. After which he joined The Punjab Public School at Nabha. He appeared for the entrance test and not only got selected but also won a Punjab government scholarship. He first entered the portals of Junior School in 1981 in class 6th He was allotted Beas House with number B-654 in 1981. Thus began his school journey which lasted till 1988 when he passed out with flying colours standing among the top in ISC (12th class). He has an immaculate record of standing in the first few in class from 6th to 12th standard throughout his tenure in The PPS.
Junior school , where all new comers first entered the school through these majestic gates.
He was not only good in studies but showed a remarkable character of possessing brain and brawn. He was a great sportsman and athlete. He was Champion of cross country of groups C & B and 3 times champion of group A, setting new record at that time. He was declared the Best Athlete of PPS in 12th class winning all long distances 800m , 1500m and 3000m. He represented PPS in All India inter public school meet at Sports School Rai (Haryana) and came 3rd.
He represented the school in Hockey and the team won the Inter Public School tournament in 1987 at Sainik school, Kunjpura, Haryana.
It will be interesting to know what was happening in school and the kind of exposure he got during his years in PPS. This is best illustrated by an article that appeared in The Tribune in 1985 coinciding with the Silver Jubilee (25years) Celebrations of the School.
I reproduce the article below:
(This article written by my father-in-law Sardar Kulwant Singh Virk ,on my request was published in The Tribune of 1st December 1985 to coincide with the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebrations of The PPS. This was at a time when school was young and the senior-most old Nabhaite in the army was probably only a Lt Colonel. However, the boys in school, were climbing mountains and excelling in adventure sports, predicting bright future leadership roles. The heading given by the author “A School with a Difference” made the school a distinct one. The newspaper , however, carried the appropriate heading as “Scaling Heights of Glory” for that time. – Dr Jashanjot, S-52-1967)
A School with a Difference
By Kulwant Singh Virk
Are there any mountain climbing schoolboys in Punjab—-the sort that go up the virgin Himalayan peaks covered with deep snow? Yes, there are some among those studying at the Punjab Public School, Nabha.
Last May, they climbed a peak called Mount Friendship, 5,300 metres (over 17,000 feet) high. It rises beyond Manali and is called “Friendship” because ambassadors of three countries decided to join hands in the first attempt at conquering it.
The thrill of the May success has not yet subsided at the school. “For a month and a half we followed a strict fitness schedule”, recalls Jagdeep Sanghera, a member of the team. “It included a run of four kilometres daily, two hours of swimming and general physical exercises.”
But there could be no training at Nabha in dealing with snow and hidden hill chasms. Even at the base camp there was over two feet of snow in the month of May. There was fresh snow on the way to the peak which hid the deep and dangerous chasms. But they made it to the top. “The space on the top was rather limited and we had to hold on to each other for a group shot”, says Sanghera excitedly. “On the way back one can glide down the slope of ice after the ‘safe point’ without bothering about the ropes”.
A girl student, Neena Bansal, is equally enthusiastic about a separate though less hazardous mountain expedition from Sabathu to Kumarhatti. “We went past grassy flats, herds of cattle and sheep, treaded mysterious paths and explored a strange new world”, she sums up. “I learned the real techniques of climbing a mountain with a rope and the setting up and dismantling of camps. The expedition has given me a strange courage and a strong will. I can spend a night or two in the densest forest quite alone.”
This Silver Jubilee year of the Nabha School (it was founded in 1960) has been a lucky one. The school has won the All-India Public Schools Athletic Championship Trophy as also the Football Trophy.
What exactly is a Public School? The Headmaster, Group captain A.J.S. Grewal is quite clear on this. “In October 1939, Headmasters of seven residential schools organized The Indian Public Schools Conference. These and others admitted to the conference on satisfying the conditions of membership alone are entitled to call themselves Public schools. There are 55 member schools. If the Sainik Schools and Military Schools, which are connected with the government, are excluded, there are only 30 public schools in the country,” according to him.
Some essential features of a public school, according to him, are that all boys eat from a common mess. Its own governing board is the final authority in all administrative matters and the Headmaster has the right to select his own staff.
The Nabha School has 550 hostel seats. A few day scholars, including girls, are also admitted. Originally the money came from Post-War Services Reconstruction Fund meant for the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen. The Punjab Government gave the Secretariat building and Guest House of the old Nabha State to the school. There are vast lawns and gardens around these buildings for use of the school.
The Governor of Punjab is the Chairman of the Board of Governors. Other ex-officio members include the Chief Minister of Punjab, GOC-in-C Western Command, Chief Secretary, Punjab, and Commissioner, Patiala Division.
The Nabha School gave the country the idea of Sainik Schools. According to the first headmaster, Mr J. K. Kate, “when Mr Krishna Menon, the then Defence Minister, heard the news of the opening of the Sainik School in Nabha (it was given that name in the beginning), he called a meeting of Chief Ministers of all the States and persuaded them to start similar schools in their States”. He offered to send three officers from the Services to hold the posts of Principal, Headmaster and Registrar in each school.
All the Chief Ministers accepted his proposal and a chain of Sainik Schools was started in India. The syllabus, the scholarship scheme and the duration of the course prevalent at Nabha were adopted by these Sainik Schools. Quite a few Principals–designate from services were advised to visit Nabha and study the working of the School. Thus, Nabha ceased to be a Sainik School by name but remained a pioneer in the field.
“In view of the special character of this school,” says Mr. Grewal, “the staff is recruited on merit from all over India. Teachers in the Senior Wing are post-graduates form Indian and foreign universities. “The day begins with physical exercises. This is followed by breakfast and the school assembly where students address the gathering. Then follow teaching periods till lunch time. After lunch the students have hobby periods followed by games. Our boys regularly participate in adventure courses conducted by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi”. Treks to the valley of Flowers, Hemkunt, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamnotri etc. are very popular with the boys.
Asserting that there are good opportunities for children of poor parents to join the school, the Headmaster says that almost one-fourth of the students are recipients of scholarships from the Government of India and from Punjab, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Governments. There are merit-cum-means scholarships also. For the children of defence personnel upto the rank of a non-commissioned officer, scholarships are awarded out of Post-War Services Reconstruction Fund. A sepoy’s son is thus able to rub shoulders with a General’s son in the school. While admitting the students to the school, it is ensured that they enjoy sound health and are capable of joining the Armed Forces.
Mr. R D Chandola, a teacher, says, “All students enter on terms of absolute equality and live as equals throughout their stay in school. The only factor that produces inequality is personal ability and achievement. This cannot be avoided even in an ideal home.”
With the education they receive here, they easily find their way to coveted jobs in the defence services and other professions like medicine, police, accountancy, shipping, business administration and engineering. The school being young, its products have reached only the level of, say, a Deputy Inspector General of Police or a Lieutenant Colonel in the army.
To talk about only one area of achievement, one can refer to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme operating in forty (40) Commonwealth countries. It challenges young people between 14 and 25years to serve others, to acquire new skills, experience adventure and make new friends. In 1983 the Duke himself visited India and presented the Gold Awards at a ceremony on November 23. Nabha School led the rest of India with 10 awardees while the famed Doon School had only six.
Prince Philip of UK in conversation with Teachers in charge, Tilak Raj Arora and Sukhram Sandhu at the DEAS function in Maurya Sheraton , New Delhi in 1983.
The author of the Book “The Indian Public Schools”, Mr Alfred D’Souza, has made an exhaustive study of the working of these schools. He writes, “Among British Public Schools the most famous are known as The Seven. In India, the best seven are: Doon School, Mayo College, Modern School, Scindia, Lovedale, Sanawar and The Punjab Public School, Nabha. These schools are , of course, not listed here in an evaluative rank order.”
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The Vist of a Mountaineering Icon
A student of Punjab Public School at Nabha, young Malkiat Singh remembers getting an award from Sir Edmund Hillary, a legendary mountaineer who along with Tensing Norgay was the first to climb the world’s highest mountain Mt Everest in 1953.
Excerpt from the School Chronicle “December,1987:
THE VISIT OF SIR EDMUND HILLARY
Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, Knight of the British Empire, the legendary mountaineer to first summit the Mount Everest in 1953, was the Chief Guest at the 27th Founders‟ Day in December 1987. The arrival of Sir Edmund Hillary created a big buzz in the School.
Sir Hillary shared his memories of the Everest expedition along Tenzing Norgay and stressed “the importance of team-spirit in every sphere of life.”
Edmund Hillary with Headmaster Gp Capt AJS Grewal , Teacher Sukhram Sandhu and school boys.
Visiting the Exhibitiion
Malkiat Singh receiving a prize from the first man on the Everest Sir Edmund Hillary
Receiving medal from Sir Edmund Hillary (who climbed Mt Everest first time in 1953) in 1987
Hillary, who was New Zealand’s high commissioner to India from 1985 to 1988, visited the school in 1987 for annual awards when Singh had met him.
Indian Express
Last Sunday morning, Malkiat Singh, now 53, who had immigrated to New Zealand in 1998, summited the 8,848.86 m high s Mt Everest, becoming the latest New Zealander (53rd to be exact) to achieve the feat. Interestingly, Everest was first conquered By Hillary and Tenzing in 1953. He was thrilled at his achievement. Incidentally, Malkiat is also the 53rd New Zealander to do it.
An overjoyed Malkiat Singh told The Indian Express on the phone from Kathmandu, “I remember meeting Sir Edmund Hillary and listening to his mountaineering tales. At that time, I knew nothing about mountaineering but we were fascinated by his and Tensing Norgay’s triumph. Later when I shifted to – Auckland in 1998, I again met Edmund Hillary at his residence. As I made it to the summit of Mt Everest this Sunday, I remembered the conversation and it feels special to be the latest New Zealand citizen and first Sikh from the country to do so.”
The memories of and the many awards in The PPS
Tree plantations in Junior school with Group Captain AJS Grewal ,the Headmaster.
Junior School photograph in the fields 1981
Went for summer trekking during school to Kulu – Manali in 1981
Receiving a medal at Founder’s day in 1982 for Group C competition in cross country.
Receiving the Cross country Group B champion 1983 award from Tejinder Khanna, IAS Secretary to Government of Punjab
Having dinner at school in 1984
With English Teacher, Late Mr. Onial
With Maths Teacher, Late Mr. YP Johri. Malkiat was an excellent student of Maths
Receiving cross country medal at Founder’s day in 1985 from PH Vaishnav, IAS, Chief Secretary, Punjab.
Represented Beas house in inter house play competition
Receiving cross country ‘A’ championship medal at Founder’s day, 1986 from AS Pooni, IAS, Commissioner, Patiala
Gp. Capt. Grewal the Headmaster of the School in 1980s had been an accomplished mountaineer who imbibed the spirit of adventure in the students. He had attempted Mount Everest at one time. I told Malkiat ,he would have been mighty proud of you today. He responded ,” Yes I read that story and how he missed the Summit by few hundred metres and I can now imagine and feel the pain he must have gone through when you miss top from so close”.
Winning Best athlete award in athletics meet in school in 1987 from the Headmaster of School, Gp.Capt. AJS Grewal. On the right can be seen Old Nabhaite, Iqbal Kooner (R-18,1966-H.SC.) who was sports in charge at that time.
Won 4 by 400 m relay team event in school athletics competition in 1987
Teaching Maths to class 11th on Teacher’s Day in1987
Winning Inter-House athletics meet in 1987 with Pankaj
Team mates from Beas House after winning athletic trophy in 1987
PPS athletic team 1987
Standing with athletics coach Mr Jaipal after winning Best athlete award and Beas house championship trophy, others are Pankaj Kumar (B-676) and Pritpal Singh (B-669)
Receiving prize for coming first in ISC 1988 in school especially 96/100 in maths from the Chairman of School Board and His Excellency the Governor of Punjab , Shri SS Ray.
The School Inter Public Schools champion Hockey team in 1986 with the Headmaster Gp. Capt AJS Grewal
Playing cricket with the Governor and Chairman of the School Board, SS Ray
Went to attend SSB interview in 1988
This is a photo of the Junior Contingent representing Punjab NCC at 26th January 1985 Republic Day Parade at Delhi. This team is selected from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Malkiat was the only one selected from The PPS that year.
The University years
Born in Baur village in Fatehgarh Sahib District, Singh studied in The Punjab Public School, Nabha before joining Punjab Agricultural University as a BSc (4years, Hons. course) Agriculture student after an entrance test. He topped his class all through in the University too. Malkiat Singh was adjudged as the best athlete for three consecutive years at the university. He participated in All India University competitions. His name still shines in PAU’s record books for his outstanding track and field accomplishments. He completed his B. Sc graduation in 1993.
He pursued an MBA (after appearing successfully for the entrance test) from the same university completing it in 1995 with Honours.
Best Athlete award at PAU university championship in 1990
Field extension work while at PAU
Photo at university farm, when we harvested wheat during our annual crop raising practical In 1992.
Won a gold medal at the University Competition in 20km road race
Having fun! in PAU after graduation in BSc Agricultural (Hons) in 1993
Receiving the B.Sc Agricultural Hons. (lV year) degree from Dr Khem Singh
Part of the PAU Athletic team 1990, that participated at interzonal athletic competition held at Pant University, UP.
Running 5000m competition in university meet in 1991
Attended Punjab Youth leadership training camp and won the Best leader award. Camp was held in Kulu Manali.
Punjab Youth leadership training camp, having fun!
Leading contigent of College of Agriculture in inter college athletics competition
Top overall student trophy award in PAU from Dr Khem Singh
Photo in PAU after graduating in BSc Agricultural Hons. in 1993 and joining MBA.
Immediately after completing MBA he was selected to work as Marketing Executive in Ciba-Giegy. During this period, he took all India exam for ONGC and got selected and worked from 1996 to 1998 as MM Officer.
After a two-year professional stint working for CIBA-GEIGY and ONGC he immigrated to Auckland, New Zealand in 1998
Migration to New Zealand
After arrival in NZ, he worked in different categories. A computer science programme for him was followed by him working as an accounts administrator in Auckland.
Second close encounter with Edmund Hillary (as told by Malkiat about the man who inspired him)
I landed in NZ in April 1998. After some time I started looking for Sir Edmund Hilary, as I came to know that he was living in same the city, as I was. As soon as I found out about him , I booked an appointment with him.
He greeted us very warmly at his home and we spent good time together as he recalled his time spent at PPS Nabha with Group Capt AJS Grewal then Headmaster of the PPS. I showed him, his photos with me, and he told me stories about Everest. But at this time, I was seeing him just for sake of visiting our school and he had given prizes to me. I had no idea that one day I will follow his footsteps and summit Everest.
Edmund Haillary and Tenzing Norgay in climbing gear.
Once my children were born after 2003 and they were able to start walking, as we live near a beach, we started doing small treks in the beautiful scenic country. We have done almost all the northland trekking trails, the famous being Pennicles, Tangiroro and all Clevedon ones. Then we moved on to climbing and climbed Mt Taraniki (2518m). After that we were doing regular trekking and climbing in holidays.
Mt Taraniki
On the Way Up
The idea, decision and planning
One day, my PPS classmate, housemate and close friend Rashpinder Singh (B-660) called me as usual and we discussed about doing Mt Everest but we had no idea how it’s done and how to apply for it and what is the process involved for undertaking such a venture. Me and Rashi joined school together in 1981 and became close friends together from day one and on. We were so close to each other that students used to think, we were real brothers. As you have seen our house numbers were nearer B-654 and his B-660. He used to be very good hockey player and represented Punjab juniors in nationals and after 12th he left for Canada and I went to PAU, Ludhiana. In Canada he studied Optometry and opened his own clinic ‘Pandher Optometry’ in Brampton. Last we were together again when I was on Canada tour recently.
With close friend Rashpinder
We started enquiring about climbing the Everest in 2022. Then, somebody introduced us to a company named ‘14 Peaks’ and its owner Tashi. This was the starting point.
First thing the company asked us was to book for a permit based on which year we wanted to do it so we paid $10000.00 US dollars and decided to do it in 2024 season as the time of payment (booking) for it was November 2022
So, we started planning and preparing for it. Till now I was just doing normal morning walks and 3 hours mornings seva at Takanini Gurudwara on Saturday and Sunday from 6 am to 9 am which includes removing rubbish and cleaning as per requirements involving lot of walking and lifting.
Meanwhile, I told my elder son (20 years old) who has joined NZ army about my plans of attempting summit of Mt Everest. He was very supportive of my plans and came on holidays and discussed in details about this attempt.
The Hard Training Schedule
He assessed my fitness and prepared a weekly plan for me in the beginning of 2023 and started monitoring my training from his job and basically became my coach. However, I asked him that I will not stop doing seva at Gurudwara on Saturday and Sunday. I had decided to hoist the Nishan Sahib on the summit.
So, my weekly training was:
Mondays
10 km walk from my home to Music Point and back home with 20 kg backpack covering its hills and beach along the way.
Tuesdays
Same route running with heavy shoes and evening Yoga.
Wednesdays
1200 Stairsteps in the morning.
Evening High Altitude training at Panmure – Walter altitude training centre
We used to do one hour walking on treadmill on low oxygen with 20kg backpacking simulating heights above 6000 metres.
Thursdays
Same running to Music point and sometimes visiting my niece Chiropractor in the evening as she did not charge me for the treatment.
Running on the beach (10kms)
Fridays
Trekking to Music point with weight and evening free.
All this I used to accommodate with my day job from 9 am to 5 pm, as my wife had left the job and I was working to run the house.
Saturdays and Sundays
Alongside seva my son introduced exercises after the seva, doing warm up and then push ups , stretching exercises, pull ups , core and cardio exercises.
Pull ups in open gym
Push ups
Sit ups
Track running
With his elder son Mansimrat Singh, guiding him in the preparation for the expedition, Singh followed a strict schedule.
The Preliminary experience
“I was an active sportsperson in my school and university days in India. I was fond of trekking here in New Zealand but it was only in 2022 that I planned the Mt Everest expedition. I followed the seven-month-long training schedule made by my elder son.
So next, we went in November 2023 to do base camp of Everest climb and Mt Lobuche as a precursor to attempting Mt Everest.
Mt. Lobuche
We were 4 of us as Rashpinder my friend from Canada had convinced 2 more and we started trekking smoothly but after 3 days Rashpinder got high altitude sickness and we stayed at Dengbuche for 3 days and finally went ahead after he got better. However, after doing base camp they refused to go further. As we had to climb Mt Lobuche as part of our training, so they helicoptered to Kathmandu, I alone went ahead to do my Lobuche (6119m) . it’s technical peak I could do it in the end but was fully drained out and made me realise that I have to do more if I had to summit next year.
So next, on return to NZ, I added more to my trainings like running, swimming and twice altitude training in a week.
When I got close to the Everest attempt, and one month before going my boss asked me to resign as they didn’t believe in my coming back alive !
The grand finale
Soon, it was time to execute the attempt on Mt. Everest. Finally, I reached Kathmandu on 12th April 2024. On 13th, I purchased summit gears and left for the base camp. I reached the base camp on 19 April and started acclimatising to high altitude. We have to do this by rotations before the window of Everest climbing from 13 May to 27 May 2024.
We went to do Mt. Lobuche (6,119 m high) again as part of our training before actual climb. But the moment I came back from Lobuche, I had loss of appetite and got dehydration. I couldn’t eat anything for 3 days and then the doctor put me on drip and also gave me 3 injections which made me feel better. Because of this setback, I was missing the rotations and practice which everybody else were doing.
Base camp site
Later, for his ultimate attempt on Mt Everest summit attempt was from 6,065 m high camp 1.
Singh reached the 6,500 m high camp 2 on May 12, before waiting for five days at the camp due to bad weather.
It was on May 18 that Singh started the summit push from 7,470 m high Camp 3
and reached 7,920 m high Camp 4 at 4 pm before attempting the final summit push for the summit at 8 pm the same night.
It was at 8.37 am on May 19 that Singh hoisted the holy Nishan Sahib flag (as part of his religious beliefs) apart from the New Zealand (his adopted country, of which he is now a citizen) national flag on the summit. He took pictures holding placards of his alma maters “The PPS and PAU”.
Raising the Nishan Sahib
Holding high the flag of New Zealand
The PPS Placard
The PAU placard
To get a real feel of the hard work, equipment, dress, preparation, food and acclimitisation and the tough path up to the top, do have a look at the link below. It illustrates what is involved in the endeavour and gives you a real life feeling.
MT Everest Summit Journey: Wonderful YouTube rendition with photos and videos. Must see.
The Link: https://youtu.be/6I7mVWUx3BY?si=CaOjUj1_DR0O2_CW
The Financial aspect:
The whole expedition cost close to 1,50,000 New Zealand dollars and he sold one of his two houses for this feat.
“My wife Parminder Kaur and both sons wanted to see me achieve the feat. By god’s grace, I owned two houses in Auckland and sold one to get the money for the expedition”.
Malkiat with his wife Parminder and sons Mansimrit and Japsimrit, who believed in him and supported him all the way.
Faith and Luck!
“Five days at Camp 2 required a lot of patience and I would recite Gurbani to keep my mind and body calm,” said Singh. The last one week saw two Mongolian climbers dying in their summit attempt of Mt Everest apart from a British climber and his sherpa going missing due to bad weather on Tuesday”.
Singh counts himself lucky. “One has to get lucky and I found myself lucky. We had to wait for five days first at Camp 2 and then it was a clear day on May 19. On our return, there was a snow blizzard and we could see many climbers abandoning their climbs. I hope my climb will inspire youth to dream about such feats and not to fall over bad things,” Singh added.
The Certificate
The certificate issued by the Nepalaese Tourism department that Malkiat has successfully climbed Sagarmatha 8848.6m (Everest) on 19 May 2024.
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Deeply Religious Man
Malkiat belongs to an Amritdhhari Family and is deeply religious. He has been active in his village Gurughar activities. His faith in the almighty made him fearless and gave him the strength, physical and mental, to overcome the adversities in his climb to the Everest.
The spiritual side of Malkiat. This is the photograph of the new village Gurdawara of Bour being constructed with chunk of donation from him.
Did Hemkunt Sahib Yatra with family members in 2007
The Takanini gurdwara, where Malkiat is a regular and fully involved and where he does regular Sewa
Active in Social work
Malkiat plays an active role in his society. His sincerity is clear from the regular sewa he does in the local gurdwara at Takanini.
Busy cleaning up the grass in the gurdwara.
Apart from his regular social service at the local gurdwara he plays an active role in community social work in his New Zealand Society.
- Blood donation: He has donated blood over 140 times.
- Voluntary community patrolling :
Also member of HPCP (Howick Pakuranga Community Patrol) for last 7 years he is attached with police and becomes eyes and ears of police means. He is provided with a car and logged to police communication and reports anything happening in his area and has to do it 4 times a month. It’s national organisation in NZ. It’s totally voluntary.
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THE MEDIA COVERAGE
The rush to the top
Malkiat Singh’s successful ascent of Everest garnered extensive media coverage across multiple platforms, in both English and Punjabi. Local Punjabi-language media, as well as Punjabi news channels in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, highlighted his achievement. English-language newspapers in India also featured stories about Singh’s climb. Additionally, his journey was covered by Radio New Zealand, various online outlets, and numerous YouTube channels.
Below are some highlights of the media coverage surrounding Malkiat Singh’s summiting the Everest. Some YouTube videos and websites are linked below for your further exploration, as it’s challenging to cover everything in detail here.
The videos primarily consist of interviews with Malkiat conducted by various anchors. They provide fascinating insights and showcase actual footage of the preparation and hardships faced during the climb. Viewers gain a clear understanding of what it takes to summit Everest, ultimately admiring the stoicism and determination Malkiat exhibited throughout this remarkable feat.
The Punjabi vernacular media was full of praise for the son of soil summiting Mt. Everest.
PAU Tribute to him.
Remembering the University which gave him professional education.
Hoisting Nishan Sahib atop Everest. The spiritual aspect of Malkiat.
A gathering of local leaders in Bour village in honour of Malkiat’s achievement.
Dainik Bhaskar, Ludhiana (Hindi)
Radio Sadeala (Punjabi) on Facebook – video link
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=qi2Omg&v=442047865457959&rdid=SSDin6B6mXZbdELt
NZ Punjabi news (Facebook) Video link
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/9vBTHZQQXtBCds4y/?mibextid=w8EBqM
SBS.com.au (SBS Australia Punjabi news Channel)
B TV Broadcasting
NZ Punjabi News
https://www.facebook.com/nzpunjabinews24/videos/1818809455286896
and
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/RYsgqGAAbtS3QWFL/?mibextid=oFDknk
PTC Punjabi
https://youtu.be/NZbV_miTQ8I?si=D0-AmkwF7VUmTcLd
Gurbir Grewal show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryU9t15lrf8
Sanjha TV worldwide
https://www.facebook.com/reel/503937532047977
Indian Express
Times of India
From a Small Village in Punjab to the Peak of the World: PAU Alumnus Malkiat Singh Conquers Mount Everest.
Malkiat Singh, a son of the soil from the village of Bour in Fatehgarh Sahib district, was born into a humble Jat Sikh family. His parents, Sardar Bant Singh and Sardarni Gurmail Kaur, imbued him with the values of perseverance and hard work that would guide him through life’s many challenges.
From his early days, Malkiat displayed a spirit of excellence and determination. He joined Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in 1988, where he became a celebrated athlete, earning the title of best athlete for three consecutive years. His name still shines in PAU’s record books for his outstanding track and field accomplishments. He completed his B.Sc. in 1993 and went on to pursue an MBA at PAU, graduating in 1995.
Malkiat’s professional journey began with CIBA-GEIGY, followed by a position at ONGC in 1996. In 1998, he sought new horizons and immigrated to New Zealand. There, he pursued a computer science program at a university, achieving top honors. He initially worked as a computer consultant before embracing entrepreneurship and founding a thriving taxi business. Today, he successfully manages his business while also serving as an Account Administrator at Giarn Family Trust. The Giarn Family Trust owns and operates several hotel brands, including Holi Day Inn, Ramada, Super 8, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, Hawthorn Suites, Trademark Collection, and Wyndham.
Malkiat’s personal life is equally remarkable. His wife, Parminder Kaur, who completed her MSc in Botany from PAU, has been a constant pillar of support. They are the proud parents of two sons, Mansimrit Singh and Japsimrit Singh. Mansimrit holds the distinguished honour of being the first GurSikh commissioned officer in the New Zealand Army and has represented the Army in hockey. Japsimrit, his youngest, is a grade 13 student and the captain of his college field hockey team.
The pinnacle of Malkiat’s achievements came on May 19, 2024, when he conquered the majestic Mount Everest at 8:37 AM. This extraordinary accomplishment is not just a testament to his physical endurance, but also to his unwavering spirit and resilience. Scaling the world’s highest peak is a dream few dare to dream, and even fewer achieve. Malkiat’s ascent to the summit stands as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the boundless possibilities that determination and courage can unlock.
Malkiat Singh’s journey from a small village in Punjab to the pinnacle of Mount Everest is a story of grit, passion, and an indomitable will to succeed. As a proud alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), his remarkable achievements continue to inspire and ignite the dreams of countless others.
Times of India
Despite illness, PAU alumnus scales Everest at 53
Harmandeep Singh / May 23, 2024, 05:19 IST
Read more at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/110346524.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: 53-year-old PAU alumnus Malkiat scales Mount Everest
ByRakshit Sharma, Ludhiana
May 23, 2024 05:04 AM IST
Punjab Agricultural University alumnus, Malkiat Singh, becomes first from the varsity to scale Mount Everest. Inspired by Edmund Hillary, he achieved the feat on May 19, 2023.
A 53-year-old alumnus of the Punjab Agricultural University scaled the mighty Mount Everest, becoming the first from the varsity to achieve the feat.
Malkiat Singh during his journey to Mount Everest’s peak. (HT Photo). Holding NZ flag
Malkiat Singh, who holds a citizenship of the New Zealand, reached the zenith of the world’s highest peak on May 19.
He comes from village Bour in Fatehgarh Sahib district and joined the university in 1988 for BSc (Hons) in Agriculture. Before graduating in 1993, he had won the title of best athlete thrice.
His story actually began in 1985 when Edmund Hillary, the first person to reach the Mount Everest summit, visited his school as a chief guest. Hillary used to be New Zealand’s Ambassador to India at the time.
“I received two awards from him that day. When I was told about who he was, it piqued my interests and when I moved to New Zealand, I met him again. This is when I took up trekking,” Singh said.
After brief stints with CIBA-GEIGY and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in 1998, Singh left for greener pastures in New Zealand.
It was in 2022 that the idea of scaling Mount Everest struck him.
“I had been doing smaller peaks, like Mount Taranaki (2,518 m), but in 2022, I felt like I must scale Mount Everest.”
His son became the first baptised Sikh to be commissioned in the New Zealand army became his coach. “He chalked out a workout programme for me and stuck to it,” he said.
“I would run 10km one morning, followed by yoga in the evening and stairs the next morning. I repeated this workout till November 2023,” he added.
Singh wanted to climb Mount Everest in November 2023, but he was advised by his company to first go for 6,000 metre peaks to get his body acclimatised. He scaled the Mount Lobuche (6,119 m).
“I came back to New Zealand after that and started my preparations for Everest,” Malkiat said.
“When I left camp three for camp four, I was physically exhausted. I didn’t feel if I had the strength to keep going. I reached camp three, took a nap, and left at 7.30 am on May 19 for the last leg. I don’t know how I pulled through. It was only my faith that kept me going,” he added.
He reached Kathmandu on Tuesday, where he was kept in observation at a hospital. He was discharged on Wednesday morning and plans to move his return ticket early.
“I wanted to get home and take a rest. This has been demanding,” he said.
First NZ Sikh to Climb Mt.Everest – Malkiat Singh : Soul Talk With Parmeet Sahni
Must see
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzM-0kaK3Mo
You tube Interview with Parmeet
Sahnihttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/1yt8CMWkxcB3MNoM/?mibextid=qi2Omg
FIRST UP -AUDIO CLIP
Radio New Zealand
RNZ Audio Player (ctrl+click)
New Zealand
MT Everest Summit Journey
Wonderful You tube rendition with photos and videos. Must see. Link
https://youtu.be/6I7mVWUx3BY?si=CaOjUj1_DR0O2_CW
Interesting You tube interview.
Mount Everest summit – Miraculous SIKH MAN from New Zealand made it! (Nice interview in English and Punjabi )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QVmDIcpRpU
23 May 2024
First NZ Sikh to summit Everest recovering in Kathmandu hospital
First NZ Sikh to summit Everest recovering in Kathmandu hospital | RNZ News
7:04 am on 23 May 2024
Indian weekender New Zealand
https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/top-of-the-world-53-year-old-kiwi-indian-scales-mt-everest
Malkit Singh at the summit of Mount Everest holding the Nishan Sahib
First Kiwi Sikh climbs Mt Everest duration5′ :08″ (RNZ)
First Kiwi Sikh climbs Mt Everest
AUDIO recording
FIRST UP, New Zealand news channel
Holding up the flag of New Zealand his adopted country.
New Zealander Malkit Singh has just climbed Mt Everest, making him the first member of New Zealand’s Sikh community to make the climb.
Singh says he is no mountain climber, but is simply a determined 53-year-old from Papakura whose dreams of climbing the famed mountain was, in part, inspired by meeting Sir Edmund Hilary as a child.
He told First Up from his hospital bed in Kathmandu that he had been hit by exhaustion and dehydration.
“I lost appetite… couldn’t eat for last 15 days. Dehydration happened, so that exhausted me. After I came back to base camp that landed me in hospital,” Singh said.
He made it to Everest Base Camp with his group and was soon heading to camps closer to the summit where climbers acclimatise to the higher altitudes.
“After Base Camp, we had to do the rotation to Mount Lobuche. That is 6119 metres. After I came down from that mountain.. I lost [appetite], not feeling like eating anything. If I tried to eat, I vomited.”
He told First Up that he first had the thought to climb the mountain only two years ago.
“I’m not a mountaineering guy. I was just a simple guy. I was just doing the job and then I got in contact with some Canadian guy and he told me that he wants to do it.”
He said brushes with mountaineering royalty helped inspire him.
“I had previously met Edmund Hillary in Auckland. Before, when I was living in India, he had come to my school.”
“That connection made me achieve this one now, when I’m 53.”
The group’s time at the summit was limited, but he said it was amazing.
“You’re exhausted, you’re finished. But when once you reach there, you feel like a different world. People around you, all are exhausted.
“Once they reach the top, they just feel fresh and like, not that fresh [but] they get energy to stand or sit down. You get only a 15 to 20 minute window to do that.”
Singh told First Up there are a lot of people attempting to summit Everest on any given day, and the weather plays a vital part in deciding when to make that final ascent.
“In our group [there] was 70, the next day it was more than 150. But the problem is the weather window.
“You start [climbing] and after poor weather, then you have to come back. Then you’re finished, you can’t go again.”
Once the okay is given to begin an attempt on the summit, the butterflies kicked in.
“Your brain stops. Your brain is not working. You’re just going up. You feel excitement, but your energy drains you.”
Singh said he had started eating and hopes to be well enough to leave hospital in the next few days, and to be back home in Auckland as soon as possible.
THE INDIAN WEEKENDER
Home / News / New Zealand
Top Of The World: 53-Year-Old Kiwi-Indian Scales Mt Everest
May 21 2024
At the top, Singh raised the New Zealand flag and the Sikh flag.
This fifty-three-year-old Kiwi-Indian’s journey to the top of the world stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
On May 19, 2024, at 8:37 am, Malkiat Singh achieved a lifelong dream by “reaching the summit of Mount Everest.”
Singh, who resides and works in Auckland, migrated from Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, in 1998 and has always been known for his athleticism.
“I did it,” Malkiat told his family in Auckland during an emotional phone call. His brother, Pargat Singh, expressed the family’s mixed emotions, saying, “We were relieved and elated at the same time by my brother’s achievement.”
Malkiat’s family claims that he scaled Mount Everest “all the way to the top”, standing at an elevation of 8,849 meters.
A senior member of the Supreme Sikh Society for 25 years, Malkiat Singh is a graduate of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. He had a promising career in Mumbai, India as a manager at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) but chose to relocate due to his dissatisfaction with city’s train services.
“My brother did not like the train services in Mumbai, so he decided to move,” Pargat Singh quipped.
Malkiat’s family describes him as a bright academic achiever and an exceptional sportsman.
His inspiration to climb Everest came from meeting Sir Edmund Hillary, the famed New Zealand mountaineer who, along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, first reached Everest’s summit in 1953.
In addition to mountaineering, Malkiat has a background in hockey, having played for various clubs in Auckland before retiring a few years ago. However, his passion for sports never waned. “I guess he picked up a new hobby,” Malkiat’s elder son Mansimrit told The Indian Weekender.
Mansimrit Singh, a second lieutenant in the New Zealand Army, played a crucial role in his father’s achievement. “I helped my father with physical training for about a year,” he said. Malkiat underwent rigorous training, focusing on core strength, cardiovascular health, and hypoxic training with his coach, Walter. Altitude training, also known as hypoxic training or low oxygen training, involves exercising in, living in or otherwise breathing oxygen-reduced air.This specialised training mimicked the low-oxygen conditions of high altitudes. Additionally, Malkiat practiced yoga to enhance his physical and mental resilience.
Last year, Malkiat participated in the 14 Peaks Expedition, a high-altitude sports company and one of the world’s largest expedition organisers for mountains above 8,000 meters, including the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits.
Initially, Malkiat’s family was apprehensive about his decision to climb Everest due to the risks involved. “No one was willingly happy about his decision,” Pargat Singh said. However, Mansimrit had unwavering faith in his father’s capabilities and strengths.
Currently, Malkiat is recovering at a monastery after his successful ascent. His journey to recovery has been smooth, and he is expected to return to his family in June.
As for what lies ahead, Malkiat plans to focus on recovery and inspiring younger generations to pursue their passions and embrace hard work. “Firstly to recover and inspire younger generations to go for their passions and love for hard work,” his son said.
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Honours and Accolades
Following his extraordinary achievement of conquering Mount Everest, a wave of honors and accolades poured in from all corners of the globe. The gurdwara where he served celebrated his success, and his story garnered widespread media attention across Punjabi and English media in New Zealand, India, and Australia.
The Sikh diaspora, local communities, and prominent figures from New Zealand, as well as Old Nabhaites from Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto, all came together to celebrate his remarkable feat. Canadian dignitaries of Indian origin also joined in, hosting grand receptions and applauding his accomplishment.
His alma maters recognized his achievement with heartfelt letters of appreciation, including from the Headmaster of The Punjab Public School, Nabha, and the Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
The High Commissioner of Nepal in NZ made special effort to meet and complement him.
Below is a gallery showcasing some of the memorable moments from these events.
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At the Zenith
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Letter of Appreciation from the Headmaster of the PPS, Mr. DC Sharma
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Heartfelt Congratulations from The VC of Punjab Agricultural University
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Honorary Consul of Nepal to Auckland, New Zealand
With High Commissioner of Nepal to NZ
It was my pleasure to meet Mr. Malkiat Singh, who achieved the extraordinary feat of summiting Mt. Everest on 19 May 2024 at 8:37 am at the age of 53. His accomplishment stands as a powerful testament to human determination and the limitless potential we all possess to achieve remarkable goals, regardless of age.
As the Honorary Consul of Nepal to New Zealand, I salute you, Mr. Singh, for your incredible achievement and for inspiring us all to pursue our dreams with unwavering dedication and courage. Your journey to the top of the world not only exemplifies personal triumph but also serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that with perseverance and determination, we can overcome any challenge and reach extraordinary heights.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Venkat Raman for providing the opportunity to meet Mr. Singh at the event. Your support and initiative in organizing such gatherings play a crucial role in fostering community spirit and celebrating remarkable achievements.
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The Certificate of confirmation issued by the Nepal
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The Old Nabhaites in Canada were delighted to have Malkiat visit them in Canada first. He was felicitated in Vancouver, Calgary, Surrey, Edmonton and Toronto. Everywhere the welcome was warm, well attended with lots of nostalgia from school friends. He was received with great honour and respect.
VANCOUVER
With chairman Satbir Cheema and director Arvinder Bubbar in Vancouver outside PICS Assisted Living center. Both are on the board of the Organisation. (Surrey)
Ex-sports in charge at The PPS, Mr. PS Gill offering sweet to his once trainee, Malkiat (B-654,1988) in Vancouver. On left is Arvinder Bubber and on the right is Satbir Cheema.
Mr. Malkiat Singh, sitting second from the right, had conquered Mr. Everest on the 24th, May, 2024 and is a citizen of New Zealand. He is from 1988 ISC batch and this picture is from Surrey, BC, Canada where Old Nabhaites and school friends came to meet him.
Quote from one attendee, “Wonderful evening arranged in honor of Malkiat Singh . Proud to be a part of such a vibrant and talented community. It was a great evening. While enjoying stories of Malkiat’s ascent, we also reminisced our times at school. Thank you Gagandeep Sidhu for organizing the celebration.”
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SURREY
A welcome to Canada by mix of ONA and PAU alumni friends in Surrey.
TORONTO (ONTARIO)
With Gurvinder Uppal handing over a letter of appreciation to Malkiat on behalf of TONA at a meeting held in his honour.
The letter of appreciation signed by all those present with their school house numbers. A wonderful gesture.
Honoured by TONA in Toronto
Malkiat Singh’s Visit to TONA (Toronto Old Nabhaites Association)
It was with great excitement that we learned from Rashi Pandher (Ex Beas, B-660, 1988) about the adventurous endeavour of three PPS alumni—Rashi, Malkiat, and Prabh—who set out to conquer Mount Everest. Their journey took them to base camp in November 2023 where they attempted a technical peak ‘Lobuche’ as part of training and a precursor to climbing Everest. Because of high altitude sickness while others returned only Malkiat went ahead to the Lobuche peak. On his return from there he too was quite sick.
However, in May 2024,we were thrilled to hear that Malkiat Singh had successfully attempted the Everest and reached the summit. This incredible achievement sent ripples of joy among us. It made us all immensely proud to call him one of our own, an “Everester.”
We were fortunate to host Malkiat and his wife during their visit to Toronto from late July to early August 2024. It was a nostalgic reunion, as we had not seen Malkiat in 40 years. Despite the passage of time, he remained the same humble individual we remembered. Approximately 40 TONA members gathered to give him a warm welcome, eager to hear about his extraordinary journey. Malkiat shared his experiences candidly, attributing his success to Waheguru, embodying the spirit of gratitude that is so characteristic of our Sikh heritage. His tales of perseverance and triumph felt like a captivating film, and I have never witnessed our members so engrossed in silence.
On behalf of TONA, Yadvinder Toor, Rashi, and I took a moment to congratulate him, expressing how proud the global PPS fraternity is of his accomplishment. Malkiat was visibly moved by the heartfelt words from friends he had known for 50 years. We also extended our best wishes to Rashi and Prabh, who are preparing for their own Ironman challenges.
The evening concluded with drinks and a bonfire by the stream, expertly arranged by Rashi just a short walk from his backyard. Our discussions turned to the foundations of our passion for mountaineering, remembering the guidance of Group Captain AJS Grewal, Tilak Raj, and Sukhram Sandhu, as well as the importance of programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in our schools.
As a token of our appreciation, I presented Malkiat with a letter signed by TONA members, acknowledging him as a living legend who has not only brought honour to his school but also instilled a deep sense of pride among the Old Nabhaites.
I was personally inspired by Malkiat’s infectious energy, which led me, along with Paramjeet Klar (Ex Beas), to suggest that he encourage the children at our daycare. In true PPS fashion, I invited him to visit, and he readily agreed, saying, “Brother, I will be there.” Thus, on Thursday, 1 August 2024, we prepared an engaging visit for the children.
The day was structured to maximise the impact of Malkiat’s visit:
- Show and Tell: We shared videos of Mount Everest, illustrating the challenges of such an ascent.
- Inspirational Talk: Malkiat shared his personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs, motivating both the children and staff to pursue their own goals.
- Educational Talk: He emphasised the importance of physical fitness, perseverance, and respecting nature—messages that resonate deeply with our values.
- Question and Answer Session: The children had the opportunity to ask Malkiat questions, and his thoughtful answers delighted them.
- Photo Session: Each age group posed for pictures, with special moments captured for two children celebrating their birthdays alongside Malkiat as he cut their cake.
The excitement and joy in the air were palpable, and the parents were thrilled to capture these memories. Malkiat Singh’s visit was truly a blessing, leaving a lasting impact on the children and encouraging them to explore new interests while developing a greater appreciation for nature and adventure.
Gurvinder Uppal (B-542)
On behalf of TONA
Those present at the TONA organized dinner in honour of Malkiat Singh.
Uppals with Malkiat and wife Parminder
Special cake with words written on top in between mountains “Malkiat Singh- pride of The PPS”. It was served at the TONA organised dinner.
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Below are pictures of Malkiat and his wife at an interaction with Kindergarten children organised by TONA Founder and President Gurvinder Uppal (B-542 and Paramjit Klar (Ex-Beas).
Celebrating birthday of two of the kids there
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This reception and honour were organised by Toor family (brothers Yadvinder Singh Toor R 523 and Khushwant Singh Toor R 725) on roof top. They own this law firm building in Brampton. It houses their law office.
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Friends who planned and executed the Canada trip
With two best friends from class VI onwards at PPS Nabha who organised the trip to Canada and Malkiat stayed with them in Brampton, Toronto. Harjit Singh Thind S-623 and Rashpinder Singh Pandher B-660.
He writes this about Rashi Pandher: Me and Rashi joined school together in 1981 and became close friends together from day one and on
We were so close to each other that students used think as we were real brothers
As you have seen our house numbers were nearer B-654 and his B-660
But he used to be very good hockey player and represented Punjab junior national and after 12th he left for Canada and went to PAU
In Canada he studied Optometry and opened his own clinic Pandher Optometry in Brampton and runs till now and last we were together again when I was on Canada tour.
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Honour by North American PAU Alumni Associtaion
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Rashi (B-660, 1988) organised this party in his house in honour of Malkiat Singh , present are all Old Nabhaites from Toronto
With School friends in Toronto
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IN ONTARIO
Honoured by Brampton MP, Prabhmeet S. Sarkaria
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The Respect And Honours At CALGARY
Certificate of Honour from Dashmesh Culture Centre, Calgary
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Presented by MP Jasraj Singh Hallan Calgary, who organised this event.
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From Member of Parliament, Goerge Chahal, Calgary
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Another speech in honour of Malkiat from Old Nabhaites
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North American PAU Alumni Association organised this
Picnic organised by PAU families for me at Wedge Pond near Calgary
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Certificate of Celebration presented by MLA Parmeet Singh Boparai Calgary – Falconridge
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was presented to me by daughters of my friend Harinder Singh Mavi where I stayed while in Calgary
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Local Gurdwara in NZ
The local Gurdwara Takanini, where Malkiat does Sewa in his home town in NZ.
This award presented by Gurdwara Takanini where Malkiat goes every Saturday and Sunday
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The Punjabi Pioneers
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This Commemoration Award presented to Malkiat Singh by previous New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins
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A Letter of Congratulations from Present Minister of NZ Government, MP for Pakuranga
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Apreciation Letter from The Global Truck Academy , a registered private Career College in NZ.
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Honoured by Daniel Newman ward councillor for Papakura-Manureva Auckland organised by SBS club president Tirath Atwal on 16th September, 2024
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Poems written in Gurmukhi by fans who were smitten by Malkiat’s achievement
ਅਸ਼ਕੇ ਬਾਈ ਜੀ ਮਲਕੀਅਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੁਆਲ ਜੀ।
ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੇ ਸਿਖਰ ਤੇ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਕੇ ਪਾਈ ਧਮਾਲ ਜੀ।
ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਸਿਰੜ ਲਾਸਾਨੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਜਜ਼ਬਾ ਬਾਕਮਾਲ ਜੀ।
ਕੋਈ ਵਿਰਲਾ ਹੀ ਜੰਮਦਾ ਮਲਕੀਅਤ ਬੇਮਿਸਾਲ ਜੀ।
ਚਿਹਰੇ ਤੇ ਜੋ ਅੱਜ ਨੂਰ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਜਿੱਤ ਭਰੀ ਮੁਸਕਾਨ ਜੀ।
ਇਹਦੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਅੰਤਾਂ ਦੀ ਘਾਲਨਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਕਿੰਨੇ ਬਲਿਦਾਨ ਜੀ।
ਆਪਣੀ ਦ੍ਰਿੜ ਇੱਛਾ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਜਾ ਰੱਬ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਹੱਥ ਲਾਇਆ ਜੀ।
ਬਹੁਤਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਜੋ ਨਾਮੁਮਕਿਨ ਅੱਜ ਮੁਮਕਿਨ ਕਰ ਵਿਖਾਇਆ ਜੀ।
ਅੱਜ ਕੱਲੇ ਕੱਲੇ ਬੰਦੇ ਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਉੱਤੇ ਬੜਾ ਮਾਣ ਜੀ।
ਚੰਹੁ ਪਾਸੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਬਣਾਈ ਹੈ ਪਹਿਚਾਣ ਜੀ।
ਪੀਏਯੂ 88 ਬੈਚ ਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਅੱਜ ਪੂਰੀ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਈ ਜੀ।
ਮਾਊਂਟ ਐਵਰੈਸਟ ਦੀ ਚੋਟੀ ਤੇ ਸਾਡੀ ਯਾਦ ਬਣਾਈ ਜੀ।
ਇਸ ਦੁਰਲਭ ਪਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਨਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਫੋਟੋ ਖਿਚਵਾਈ ਜੀ।
ਇਹ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਫ਼ਰਾਖ਼-ਦਿਲੀ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਸਾਡੀ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਜੀ।
ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਜਜ਼ਬੇ ਨੂੰ ਸਲਾਮ ਹੈ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਸੋਚ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਣਾਮ ਜੀ।
ਅੱਜ ਫਿਰ ਆਪਣੇ ਮਾਪਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਰੌਸ਼ਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਨਾਮ ਜੀ।
ਜੁਗ ਜੁਗ ਜੀਓ ਵੀਰ ਹੋਵੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਸਦਾ ਉੁੱਚੀ ਸ਼ਾਨ ਜੀ।
ਆਪਣੇ ਨਿਵੇਕਲੇਪੁਣੇ ਨਾਲ ਸਭ ਨੂੰ ਕਰਦੇ ਰਹੋ ਹੈਰਾਨ ਜੀ।
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ਵਿਲੱਖਣ ਸ਼ਖਸ਼ੀਅਤ
…………………………
ਸਾਡੀ ਕੌਮ ਦੇ ਮਾਣ ਸਰਦਾਰ ਮਲਕੀਅਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀਓ
ਸੱਭ ਤੋਂ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਇਸ ਵਿਲੱਖਣ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤੀ ਲਈ
ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੀ ਮੁਬਾਰਕਬਾਦ……
ਸਾਡੀ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਮੁਲਾਕਾਤ ਦਾ ਪਹਿਲਾ ਤੇ
ਆਖਰੀ ਸਵਾਲ
ਏਹ ਫੁਰਨਾ
ਏਹ ਉੱਦਮ
ਏਹ ਸਫ਼ਲਤਾ
ਸਿਹਰਾ ਕਿਸ ਸਿਰ ਦਿਓਗੇ. ?
ਜਵਾਬ ਜੋ ਮੈਂ ਸੋਚਿਆ ਸੀ
“ਕਰਤਾ ਆਪ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ
ਮਾਣਸ ਕੇ ਕਿਛੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਹਾਥ “
ਤੁਸੀਂ (ਮਲਕੀਅਤ ਸਿੰਘ)
ਸਬਰ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਸਿਦਕ ਸਿਰੜ
ਭਰੋਸੇ ਦਾ ਦੂਜਾ ਨਾਂ
ਕਦਮਾਂ ਤੇ ਯਕੀਨ
Phaulaad ਇਰਾਦੇ
ਸਾਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦਾ
ਮੰਜ਼ਿਲ ਆਕੇ ਮਿਲਦੀ ਤਾਂ
ਸਬਰ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਸਿਦਕ ਸਿਰੜ………….
ਜੱਗ ਤੇ ਆਉਣਾ
ਰਜਾ ਵਿਚ ਜੀਣਾ
ਬਖਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਲੈ ਆਸਮਾਨ ਛੂਹਣਾ
ਸਭ ਦੇ ਭਾਗਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਨਾਂ
ਸਬਰ ਸੰਤੋਖ ਸਿਦਕ ਸਿਰੜ…………
ਹੌਸਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਸਲਾਮ ਹੈ ਸਾਡਾ
ਇਤਹਾਸ ਸਾਂਭਿਆਂ ਨਾਮ ਤੁਹਾਡਾ
ਪੀੜ੍ਹੀਆਂ ਤਾਈ ਸੁਨੇਹਾ ਜਾਵੇਗਾ
ਮਲਕੀਅਤ ਮਾਊਂਟ ਏਵਰੇਸਟ ਤੇ
ਜਾ ਲਹਿਰਾਇਆ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨ ……..
(ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਤਜ਼ਰਬੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਮੁੱਖ ਤੋਂ ਸੁਣਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਖੁਸ਼ਕਿਸਮਤ
…………………..ਕਮਲ ਕੁਲਵਿੰਦਰ)
