Q1: Why did he choose Everest, and how does he answer his questions?
Ans: He had answers to all the questions, and he also knew that climbing Everest was a great challenge as it is one of the highest mountains. In addition, he knew that it requires even the last ounce of energy left in the person. Once a person initiates their journey, they cannot give up halfway, even if their life is at risk. Moving forward in the journey is as difficult as moving back. He got a sense of joy and thankfulness and a sense of battling.
Q2: What does it mean? “You draw inspiration from each other. And then, without first being aware of it, you are at the summit”.
Ans: When Major Ahluwalia explained his summit to the mountain, he elaborated that while going towards the summit on the last heights. During climbing, you are supposed to share a rope with your partner, and you must hold it at that time. Your partner will start cutting a step in the hard ice, and you inch your way up. In addition, breathing gets difficult, and you feel like giving up. Further, you and your partner are like a strength to each other. That’s how you become an inspiration. Just like this, you will reach the summit.
Q3: Explain the lines “There is another summit. It is within yourself.”
Ans: According to the author, there is another summit within oneself. It is in the mind of the individual. Each man carries within himself a peak of the mountain. A man must try to climb it to reach the last ounce of learning. The journey is scary and cannot be measured, and no one else can climb it for someone else. Only the person himself can do it. It is strenuous physically, mentally, and emotionally. One will experience the change that can be brought about by trying to improve with each passing day.
Q4: How did Major Ahluwaliah feel standing on the summit?
Ans: Major was overwhelmed by a deep sense of joy and gratefulness. Looking around from the summit, he told himself about his adventure. The journey was risky and worthwhile. The surrounding peaks looked like a jewelled necklace. Further, it was an ennobling and enriching experience. The major was filled with humility, and he thanked God and then left a picture of Guru Nanak on Everest.
Q5: Why do people like to climb mountains?
Ans: People climb mountains because it is one of the most difficult things to achieve. In addition, people take an interest in overcoming obstacles. These obstacles are physically, mentally and emotionally difficult to overcome. A climb to a summit means the person has enough endurance, persistence and willpower. Further, the demonstration of these qualities is exhilarating.
Q6: Where were the features of Everest the author drew?
Ans: The author elaborated on the beauty of Everest, its aloofness, and its ruggedness. He took the difficulties that the author encountered on the way as challenges that he couldn’t resist.
Q7: What three qualities played a major role in the author’s climb?
Ans: The three qualities that ensured the author’s success were endurance, persistence and willpower.
Q8: What was it about Mount Everest that Major found irresistible?
Ans: Mount Everest attracted the writer because it is the highest and mightiest and has defied many past attempts. In addition, it takes the last ounce of one’s energy to achieve the final goal.
Q9: What are the facts that state Everest is just a physical climb?
Ans: There is more than just the fact that Everest is more than a physical climb. A man climbs the mountain top and becomes conscious in a special manner, which he perceives to be extremely small in this big universe. Physical conquest is a part of the achievement. In addition, there is more to it than just climbing the mountain. The experience is both emotional and spiritual. A sense of fulfilment follows the sense of achievement. Further, there is the contentment of a deep urge to ascend above one’s surroundings. It also happens that there is an eternal love for adventure in an individual.
Q10: What does it mean? “These are not symbols of conquest but reverence.”
Ans: When Major and his partner reached the summit, they knew it would be worthwhile. In addition, he looks at the beauty of the mountain and observes how the peak looks like a necklace around the neck of your summit. Further, they were grateful to God for keeping them alive and healthy through the journey. Major and his partner bowed down and made their obeisance to God they worshipped. Both of them left a picture on the Everest of their Gods. He left a picture of Guru Nanak, and his partner left a picture of Goddess Durga. Phy Dorji left a relic of Buddha, and Edmund Hillary buried a cross under a cairn in the mountains.
Q11: What does the title mean, “The Summit Within”?
Ans: The author was one of the team members who reached Mount Everest’s summit. The journey was an incredible experience. However, the author did not feel vain or heroic. According to him, his conquest was a physical experience. Further, there was another summit for every person. It was his mind. One must also climb the mountain to get a fuller knowledge of oneself.
Q12: What were the problems climbers face when they climb a mountain?
Ans: The climbers faced many problems and obstacles, such as difficulty breathing at great heights. They had to cut the steps in the hard ice, and he had to strain every nerve as they took every step. Sometimes they curse themselves for undertaking such a task. There are moments when they feel like going back for relief. However, something does not let them give up the struggle.
Q13: How does the writer view mountains?
Ans: The writer finds great joy in the company of mountains. He felt miserable on the plains. Beauty and majesty pose a great challenge. He believes that mountains are a means of communication with God.
Q14: Who is H.P.S. Ahluwalia?
Ans: Major H.P.S Ahluwalia was a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mount Everest in 1965.
Q15: Why is adventure risky and also enjoyable?
Ans: Climbing mountains is considered a great adventure. However, it is very risky, and it is a great challenge. When someone does a challenging task, they feel pleasurable, giving them immense joy.
Q16: What are the “symbols of reverence” left by team members on Everest?
Ans: Major and his partners left a symbol on Everest, a picture of Guru Nanak. In addition, Rawat left a picture of Goddess Durga and Edmund Hillary being Christian buried a cross under the rock. These were the symbols of reverence for God.
