Jatinder Kumar Bajaj, Mechanical engineer, paratrooper, hot air balloonist. License glider pilot. Recipient Vishisht Sewa meda for excellence in field of mountaineering, 1982, Sena medal, 1990, President's Gallantry award.
Career
Second in command Lieutenant, Indian Army, 1963;
retired as colonel, Indian Army, 1994;
vice principal, Nehru Institute Mountaineering, 1973-1975;
principal, Nehru Institute Mountaineering, 1985-1989. Leader India's 1st expedition for reconnaisance to South Pole, 1984-1985. Member 1st international overland ski expedition to South Pole, 1988.
1st Asian to reach South Pole, 1989. Qualified in advanced and special mountaineering courses. Participant in successful Indian and foreign expeditions to various peaks ranging between 20,000 to 25,447 feet high, and also led two successful EME expeditions.
Leader Indo-British expedition Kedarnath, Kedardome, 1993-1994. President, outdoor management development programmer, since 1994.
Membership
Member Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi. Member Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Aru. Advisory board Himalayan Tourism Council.
Member Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage, International Photographic Council. Convenor Bureau Indian Studies, Mountaineering Equipment section, 1985-1990. Active eco-culture activities.
Fellow Royal Geography Society. Member Association Writers & Illustrators, India International Center, Young Helpers Association (board directors), Skydiving Federation India, Alpine Club United Kingdom, Explorer Club New York (India chapter honorary secretary).
