TWO NAWANGS AT DARJEELING

By Harish Kapadia

April 14, 2020

On the left is the picture of Nawang at 19 years old described in the article and on the right is the picture of Nawang meeting him as a child

Our son, Nawang Kapadia was named after the famed gentleman Sherpa Nawang Gombu- first to climb Everest Twice. Gombu daju,(brother) as we called him, was an honoured friend, my instructor and frequent visitor to our home at Mumbai, as he visited Mumbai for many years to conduct Rock Climbing Courses. He was tough and great instructor who laid down strong foundation.

When in Darjeeling, Nawang met Gombu daju, he was 19 years in age, when this picture was taken. He is standing shyly with his childhood hero.

Nawang joined the army and was commissioned as Gorkha Officer, Lt Nawang Kapadia. He made supreme sacrifice in 2001, falling to a terrorist bullet in Kashmir. He was just 25 years ! Like all of us, Gombu daju was in tears.

Nawang Gombu passed away at Darjeeling in 2011, he was 75 years in age and, like many, I was in tears at his funeral.

A memorable signed picture.