Annapurna Rural Municipality To Build Statue Of Nirmal Purja In His Birthplace

Annapurna Rural Municipality in Myagdi has decided to build a statue of late record breaking mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nimsdai, in his birthplace of Dana. The municipality has also proposed naming Annapurna I after Purja and plans to add his name to a major trekking route leading towards Annapurna Base Camp.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Rural Municipal Executive in honor of Purja's achievements, courage and contribution to mountaineering and his local community.

Purja lost his life after a 10 member mountaineering team he was leading was buried in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan on August 14.

Statue Planned In Dana

The statue will be built in Dana, Annapurna Rural Municipality Ward No. 3, where Purja was born.

Annapurna Rural Municipality Chairman Bharat Kumar Pun said the decision was made in line with the wishes of Purja's family and is intended to preserve his memory and recognize his achievements.

According to Pun, the municipality wants to honor Purja's courage, bravery, mountaineering records and contribution through the statue in his birthplace.

Purja became one of Nepal's most internationally recognized mountaineers after setting major records on the world's highest mountains.

Municipality Proposes ‘Nimsdai Annapurna’

Along with building the statue, the rural municipality has recommended that the federal government name Annapurna I as “Nimsdai Annapurna.”

Annapurna I stands at 8,091 meters and is one of the world's 14 mountains above 8,000 meters. The mountain is located within the geographical area of Annapurna Rural Municipality.

Chairman Pun said the recommendation was made to recognize Purja's connection with the Annapurna region and his contribution to Nepal's mountaineering sector.

Any official change to the mountain's name would require action beyond the rural municipality following its recommendation to the federal government.

Trekking Route Could Also Carry Nimsdai’s Name

The municipality is also planning to rename the trekking route connecting Narayanghat to Annapurna Base Camp.

The route is currently associated with Maurice Herzog, the French mountaineer who was part of the historic first ascent of Annapurna.

According to the rural municipality, the route is planned to be renamed “Nimsdai Maurice Herzog” after consultation with Herzog's family.

The proposed name would recognize both the history of the first ascent of Annapurna and Purja's later achievements in high altitude mountaineering.

Purja Made History With Project Possible

Purja gained worldwide attention in 2019 through his “Project Possible” expedition.

He completed all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters in the world in just six months and six days, setting a record for completing the challenge in the shortest period at the time.

His Project Possible journey began from Annapurna.

The achievement brought Purja international recognition and helped draw wider global attention to Nepalese mountaineers and their role in major Himalayan expeditions.

His journey was particularly notable because climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000 meter mountains had traditionally been considered a challenge requiring many years to complete.

Purja completed the entire series within months.

Military Career Before Mountaineering Fame

Before becoming internationally known for his climbing achievements, Purja had a long military career in the United Kingdom.

He joined the British Gurkha Regiment at the age of 18 in 2003.

In 2009, he joined Britain's Special Boat Service, commonly known as the SBS, a special forces unit.

Purja later became widely known for combining his physical endurance and mountaineering skills to pursue difficult climbing challenges at high altitude.

Purja Died During Another Record Attempt

At the time of his death, Purja was attempting another major mountaineering challenge.

He was seeking to climb all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters for a second time without supplemental oxygen.

Purja was leading a 10 member mountaineering team on Broad Peak in Pakistan when the group was buried in an avalanche on August 14.

The incident brought an end to another attempt by the mountaineer to push the limits of high altitude climbing.

His death has led to tributes recognizing both his mountaineering achievements and his contribution to the communities connected to his birthplace.

Rs 4 Million Fund Continues Supporting Students

Purja's contribution to his home community was not limited to mountaineering.

Three years ago, he established an endowment fund worth Rs 4 million to support education in Dana.

For the past three years, interest generated from the fund has been used to reward students who achieve the best results in grades 8, 10 and 12 at Gyan Prakash Namuna Secondary School.

The fund also provides educational materials to students studying at four other basic schools in Dana.

The education support program means Purja's contribution continues to directly benefit children and schools in the community where he was born.

Municipality Moves To Preserve Purja’s Legacy

The planned statue, proposed name of Annapurna I and possible renaming of the trekking route are part of Annapurna Rural Municipality's efforts to preserve Purja's legacy.

If the federal government accepts the recommendation, the 8,091 meter Annapurna I could carry the proposed name “Nimsdai Annapurna.”

Meanwhile, the statue planned for Dana will provide a permanent memorial in Purja's birthplace, recognizing a mountaineer whose 2019 Project Possible expedition made him internationally known.

His Rs 4 million education fund will also continue to connect his legacy with students and schools in his home community.