9th August 2023, Anusha Subramanian
Anusha Subramanian is an award-winning journalist, a British Chevening Scholar and a mountaineer. She was nominated three times for the Press Club’s Red Ink National Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2012, 2017 and 2021. She won the award in 2012 for her work investigating environmental and mountaineering issues.
In 2013, she boldly decided to depart from full-time journalism and instead focus on her fervent love for mountaineering and social causes. Nevertheless, she continues to produce compelling pieces on social issues, inclusivity, and extreme sports as an autonomous journalist.
Partner at Bohemian Adventures, Anusha advocates the outdoors as it can be exhilarating, inspiring, and even therapeutic, especially for the one who didn’t explore outdoor adventures.
She focuses on making trekking more inclusive as a professional mountaineer and trekking guide. For her, empowerment is ‘inclusion’, providing equal opportunities for all. Her larger goal is to work towards building more awareness and creating more opportunities for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the outdoors.
In April this year, Anusha accompanied Sudhir Krishnan, a resident of Kent, UK who is diagnosed with Parkinson to the base camp of Mount Everest.
Let’s Get Inspired!
In Conversation with Anusha Subramanian with Preeti Juneja
What initially inspired you to take up mountaineering as a hobby or profession?
I have always loved sports and have been a sporty kid since childhood. I was a National level basketball player in high school and college. I also played for the University of Bombay but wanted to pursue something other than pursue it as a career. So when I stopped playing basketball, I took up journalism as a career. I also shifted more focus toward trekking and rock climbing. I loved being outdoors. I started trekking at seven years old, and since then, there has been no looking back. Every weekend I would go rock climbing or trekking. I followed my passion for mountaineering and trekking even with my busy job as a mainstream journalist. Even with a job, I made sure I took off on one high-altitude trek every year or the climbed for about 20 days.
I have trekked and climbed high-altitude in Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, the Ladakh Himalayas, and Nepal. I have also trekked in the UK, US, and SE Asia. During my stint at Business Today, I also got permission for two consecutive years to go and do my mountaineering certification courses. When I quit my full-time job as a journalist, it was a seamless transition to get into trekking and mountaineering and make it my second career. Today, I am a trained and certified mountain guide from Asia’s premier mountaineering institute, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. For me, both Journalism and Mountaineering have gone hand in hand. I have been lucky to be able to pursue both my passions and my profession.
How do you mentally prepare yourself for the physical and psychological challenges of taking people with disabilities on high-altitude climbs?It is very important to prepare yourself physically and mentally if you are leading people with disabilities into the outdoors for high-altitude climbs or treks.
Physical Preparation involves- working out regularly for strength training, stamina building, and endurance. Only if you are physically fit will you be able to handle others outdoors and ensure their and your safety.
I also recognize my limitations and stressors. Practice self-care techniques to manage my own mental and emotional well-being.
Mental Preparation involves a combination of empathy, adaptability, and careful planning.
I educate myself and understand the specific disabilities of the individuals. For instance, when I was to lead a person with Parkinson’s to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, I did much reading on Parkinson’s, trying to understand the medical condition. Learn about their physical limitations, medical needs, and psychological considerations related to high-altitude environments. Similarly, I did a lot of research and study on autism and how to handle kids and adults with autism in the outdoors. Once you understand the condition, it is about building trust and establishing an open communication channel with the participants in the outdoors. Listen to their concerns and expectations, and assure them that their well-being is a priority.
Assessment and planning the trek or climb are crucial to finding out the feasibility of the trek/ climb for each individual. The detailed itinerary includes route maps, acclimatisation days, rest days, and emergency protocols. We also anticipate potential obstacles and have contingency plans in place.
Since Bohemian Adventures conducts inclusive treks, we ensure a mix of able-bodied and people with disabilities. The combination of participants helps foster a sense of camaraderie among participants. Encourage mutual support and a positive team dynamic to help them overcome challenges.
We also set achievable goals based on each person’s abilities. We are flexible and willing to adapt the plan if necessary. Communication is crucial, and maintaining clear and frequent contact with participants throughout the climb. Discuss challenges, progress, and adjustments to the plan openly. I plan to also work with Mental health specialists and psychologists to understand participants’ psychological difficulties, such as frustration or anxiety. Provide emotional support and create a safe space for sharing feelings. Finally, we celebrate every success, no matter how small. Each individual’s journey is unique, and their challenges are diverse. The key is to create an environment where participants feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to push their limits while ensuring their safety and well-being.
What are some main differences between climbing with the novice team and people with disabilities?
There is no significant difference. Every participant on a climb/trek, whether a novice or a person with a disability, gets the same attention. The challenges that both will face remain the same. However, handling a person with a disability will require adaptive techniques, equipment, and careful consideration of their mobility and strength limitations. Effective communication becomes crucial when climbing with disabilities. Clear communication about movements, adjustments, and potential challenges is essential, especially for visually impaired climbers.
For novices and people with disabilities, offering encouragement and building their confidence is essential. Climbing with a person with disabilities can involve additional psychological challenges related to self-esteem, body image, and the perception of personal limitations. Providing emotional support and fostering a positive environment is crucial. Safety protocols are the same for all. The planning will require a thorough risk assessment due to potential medical conditions or equipment use complications. Emergency plans and evacuation procedures must be well-defined. In both cases, the focus should be on safety, effective communication, and creating a positive and inclusive climbing experience.
The differences between climbing with a novice team and disabled individuals highlight the need for adaptability, specialized knowledge, and a supportive approach that celebrates achievements regardless of individual challenges.
How important is teamwork and communication among climbers in the outdoors?
A climbing or trekking expedition is a team effort, not a solo effort; hence, teamwork and communication among climbers in the outdoors are vital. Coordinated actions, clear instructions, and mutual support ensure safety, efficient progress, and problem-solving. Trust and effective communication build strong bonds among climbers, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals together.
What advice do you have for individuals interested in getting started with mountaineering?
The outdoors is free for all to enjoy and experience. If you want to get started with trekking or mountaineering, do it the proper way. Go in for a course to learn the nuances of climbing and also understand the basics of the outdoors, how to conduct yourself, how to read the weather, and above all, how to be safe.
Do not blindly get into the outdoors without knowledge of the basics. For those who do not want to do a course and want to experience and enjoy the outdoors, they should always choose to go for climbs or treks with a certified and registered company that has certified guides and ensures all safety protocols and environmental codes have been adhered to, to keep people and the environment safe.
What advice would you give aspiring female leaders who may face barriers or biases in their careers, drawing from your experiences in both journalism and mountaineering?
Drawing from my experiences in journalism and mountaineering to aspiring female leaders, I say – embrace your unique perspective as a strength. In both fields, challenges may arise due to biases, but don’t let them define you. Build a network of supporters who value your skills and ideas. Advocate for yourself confidently, challenge norms, and focus on consistent performance. Just as in mountaineering, every step forward counts. Your determination will inspire others and gradually break down barriers. ‘Believe in your ability to conquer peaks, whether literal or metaphorical, and let your resilience and achievements reshape the landscape.’
As a woman leader, do you believe there are unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to outdoor activity roles, and if so, how have you witnessed these strengths in your journey?
Absolutely! women leaders bring unique strengths to outdoor roles. Their empathy, communication skills, and collaborative nature foster strong team dynamics. In my journey, I’ve seen women’s ability to connect emotionally and nurture camaraderie in challenging environments. Their adaptability, often stemming from navigating diverse experiences, enables creative problem-solving. Women leaders prioritize safety and inclusivity, enhancing group cohesion. Their determination and resilience inspire others to overcome obstacles. These qualities create a balanced, respectful outdoor community where diverse perspectives thrive. Harnessing these strengths, women leaders contribute immensely to positive experiences, effective leadership, and growth in outdoor activities.
How do you balance pushing your limits and knowing when to turn back for safety reasons?
Balancing pushing limits and safety requires self-awareness. Continuously assess your capabilities and the situation. Listen to intuition and rely on experience. If risks outweigh benefits, prioritize safety. Turning back shows wisdom, not weakness. It’s a mark of true outdoor leadership to prioritize the well-being of yourself and your team.
When your teams in BA return from the treks, are there any inspiring messages or learnings they have shared with you that have changed your perspective?
When my teams return from treks, they share inspiring messages and insights. Their stories of conquering challenges and supporting each other remind me of the power of unity. Their learnings about resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of nature continually shape my perspective and reinforce the importance of outdoor experiences.
How much role has journalism played in your life in shifting mindsets or perceptions?
Journalism has been transformative, shaping my perception and impacting others. By reporting a wide variety and diverse stories, I’ve broken stereotypes and shed light on unexplored narratives. Journalism’s power to inform and challenge biases has led to empathy-driven conversations. As a journalist, I’ve witnessed how storytelling can shift mindsets, fostering understanding and unity. It has helped bring about positive change wherever possible through the stories I have told. It has helped me take a balanced approach to any issue. Journalism’s role in shaping perspectives remains a profound force in my life’s journey. My journalism and mountaineering and trekking have taught me to be more patient and resilient and make decisions more concretely. It has helped me a lot to be a good communicator.
Rapid-Fire:
- Which is the best mountaineering institute? – Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
- If you want to give one message, what would it be? “Impact starts within – be the change you want to see.”
- What comes to your mind when someone says “Mount Everest __High altitude Tourism?”
- Which topic is most interesting to you as a journalist? Investigative, human interest, and Socially Impactful subjects
- Journalism or Entrepreneurship—choose one? Entrepreneurship
One-Liners:
- Mountaineering is thrilling, demanding, taking adventure to breathtaking heights.
- Anusha likes to wander away and be by herself if given a choice.
- Waking up to soothing music every day
- No matter what, I will never lose my individuality and forge forward, chalking my path to success.
- I want to see a change in the societal mindset towards inclusion and making life easy for all to live positively and happily.
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