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The Unexpected Bond: How My DMET Batch of 2007 Supported My Everest Journey

Writer's picture: Mountaineer Satyadeep GuptaMountaineer Satyadeep Gupta

When embarking on the recent Everest project, I had two major priorities: fitness and raising funds. During one conversation, Praneet Mehta (5906) remarked, "Sir, your batchmates are your best bet."

My immediate response was blunt and unwavering: "No chance." My batch of 2007 from DMET had never even organised a reunion, and at any gathering, the attendance was always sparse.

Even at a wedding, having five batchmates show up was considered a big deal. I had judged, perhaps too harshly, that my batchmates would never come through for something like this. I assumed only close friends would contribute.


I couldn’t have been more wrong.


Nearly 70 percent of the total contribution came from my batch, and it wasn’t just the financial support that surprised me—it was their sheer enthusiasm. My batchmates actually gave me a flag-off at India Gate in Delhi! Many took time off from their busy schedules just to gather and support me.


Throughout the expedition, I would receive messages on my Garmin from friends tracking my progress. It was humbling to know that they were with me, even on the mountain.


After the expedition, I heard, "We were tracking your descent, and since it was so fast, we thought you were being carried down." That’s when I realised they had been following the entire journey, waiting for the summit as eagerly as I was. My batch of 2007 wasn’t just a part of my journey; they were part of the team. This success belongs to all of us. Without their help, it would have been near impossible to continue.


Special mention goes to Ashok Meena, who helped me secure my first corporate sponsor. Abhineet Kothari contributed significantly to the planning and strategy, and he’s still actively involved in upcoming projects. Amit Kumar Saraf’s enthusiasm was infectious, and visiting him in Kolkata kept me motivated. He closely followed my journey.


Achint Modi traveled quite a distance just to join the flag-off in Delhi. Meanwhile, Abhinav Barnwal, all the way in Germany, is tirelessly working to secure sponsors for future expeditions.



Ankush Koundal, despite being notoriously lazy, approached the entire batch for funds, and his efforts, as expected, were invaluable. Abhishek Tripathi was vocal in gathering support from the batch and attended the flag-off event in Delhi. Ashish Pandey and Himanshu Joshi, based in Hong Kong, rallied support within the DMET Club, helping raise contributions from batchmates abroad.


Deepankar Biswas was another vocal supporter who played a key role in fundraising. Nimish Shrivastava even drove me all the way to Delhi, where we were joined by Achint Modi, Abhishek Gupta, Manish Mittal, Siddharta Mehta, Abhinav Prakash, Abhishek Tripathi, and Abhineet Kothari for the flag-off. Vinit Bharadwaj was particularly inspiring in securing funds, and his phone calls always kept my spirits high.


Now, after returning from our first reunion, I can confidently say that the bond within our batch is stronger than ever. I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support, and I will carry the spirit of our batch with me in every future project.


Thank you, DMET Batch of 2007. Your support has meant the world to me, and I can never thank you enough.


Moments from Our First Reunion in Goa Recently


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