Sri Lankan mountaineer Johann Peries, who became the first Sri Lankan man to reach the summit of Mount Everest, has shared his inspiring journey of determination and resilience with students in New Delhi.
Peries was speaking at an interactive session titled “Dream Big”, organised recently by the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi, bringing together students from schools and universities in the Indian capital.
A professional hairstylist and entrepreneur, Peries recalled how he came within approximately 400 metres of Mount Everest’s summit during his first attempt in 2016 but was forced to turn back due to an oxygen supply problem.
Refusing to abandon his dream, he returned two years later following extensive physical training, mental preparation and financial planning, successfully reaching the summit on May 22, 2018.
During the session, Peries also spoke about several life-threatening experiences that shaped his outlook, including a serious road accident in 1997, surviving the Mumbai floods in 2005 and a dangerous expedition to Island Peak in Nepal in 2012.
Despite his achievements in mountaineering, Peries continues to work as a professional hairstylist while pursuing other interests, including dancing and acting.
Explaining how he balances his career with the demanding preparations required for mountaineering, he told students, “It is not about finding time, it is about making time.”
Students engaged with Peries on topics ranging from courage, fear and self-belief to the physical risks of high-altitude climbing and the sacrifices involved in achieving ambitious goals.
He encouraged young people to develop new skills, confront their fears and learn from failure rather than allowing setbacks to define their future.
“Find your own mountains in life as you move forward,” he told the students.
Peries, who is also pursuing the Seven Summits Challenge to climb the highest mountain on each continent, emphasised that professional responsibilities should not prevent individuals from following their passions.
Students from several schools and institutions, including Miranda House and Hindu College of the University of Delhi, attended the programme.
According to the Sri Lankan High Commission, the initiative aimed to inspire young people to look beyond conventional career paths and recognise that determination, preparation and perseverance can help them achieve extraordinary goals. (Newswire)