Renowned Nagpur-based mountaineer and adventure educator Avinash Deoskar passed away following a massive cardiac arrest on October 31. He was 62. His demise marks the loss of an experienced mountaineer, expedition leader and mentor who made significant contributions to Himalayan exploration and adventure-based education. Deoskar, a resident of 97/A, Ramnagar, Nagpur, is survived by wife, noted mountaineer Vimala Deoskar, sons Dr Kunal Deoskar and Tapan Deoskar, and a large extended family. His last rites were performed in Haridwar. One of his most remarkable achievements was leading the first civilian Himalayan Traverse Trekking Expedition from Kathmandu to Leh in 1986. The expedition covered a distance of 2,300 km over 141 days.

 

Since 1983, Deoskar had trekked more than 13,000 km across the Himalayas, led over 200 Himalayan expeditions and organised more than 1,200 adventure camps. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to adventure activities, he was honoured with the Orange City Achievement Award in 2011. He dedicated much of his career to promoting leadership, teamwork and personality development through adventure-based experiential learning. Deoskar served as Director of Adventure Training Academy Pvt Ltd and Himalayan Excursions Pvt Ltd.

 

He was also the Founder Executive Director and Founder Trustee of Outward Bound Bharat Trust, which established India's first licensed centre of Outward Bound International. Apart from mountaineering and adventure education, Deoskar was actively involved in creating alternative livelihood opportunities for tribal youth in the Melghat Tiger Project area. The contribution of Deoskar to Himalayan exploration, adventure education and youth development leaves behind a lasting legacy. He will be remembered for his pioneering expeditions, commitment to adventure-based learning and efforts to inspire generations through the outdoors. The condolence meeting will be held on Thursday November 5 at 3 pm at Chitnavis Centre