The northern Indian state of Uttarakhand recently launched an unusual endurance challenge named ‘Soul of Steel’ on January 14th. Set in the stunning environment of the Nanda Devi National Park, this formidable test aims to push participants to their limits in a high-altitude environment. The challenge is both a way to test human resilience and promote adventure tourism in the region.
The Soul of Steel Challenge
Developed as an initiative by CLAW Global, with backing from the Indian Army, the ‘Soul of Steel’ challenge has a dual purpose. First, it aims to bring together a variety of skills to unlock previously untapped human potential. Second, it seeks to encourage survival, stability, and success in challenging, high-altitude environments.
The challenge is designed along similar lines to the famed Europe’s ‘Ironman triathlon’, a long-distance event renowned for testing individual grit and persistence. However, there’s more to the challenge than just endurance. It also includes life skill training, youth development activities, and global promotion of adventure tourism in Uttarakhand.
Understanding CLAW Global
Hosting the challenge is CLAW (Conquer Land Air Water) Global. Founded in January 2019 by Major Vivek Jacob, a retired para special forces officer who had spent 14 years in service before retiring due to a combat skydive injury, CLAW Global is a team comprising Special Forces veterans and individuals with disabilities. They hail from diverse backgrounds, different abilities, religions, and nationalities. The primary objective of the team is to showcase the strength of self-belief and collective effort, thereby fostering an empowering perception of capability and freedom.
In line with this vision, CLAW introduced ‘Operation Blue Freedom’, a movement conceived to celebrate and express the potent spirit and capabilities of people with disabilities.
The Significance of Armed Forces Veterans Day
The launch of the ‘Soul of Steel’ challenge coincides with the annual Armed Forces Veterans Day, observed every year on January 14th. This day carries special significance in India because on this date in 1953, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the First Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, retired from the services.
Notably, Field Marshal Cariappa led the Indian Forces to a historic victory in the 1947 war against Pakistan. The day was first commemorated in 2016 and has since been celebrated annually as a mark of respect and recognition for the bravery, commitment, and sacrifice of those who have served in the armed forces.
Taking into account the significant contributions of veterans and acknowledging the impressive capabilities of individuals overcoming physical disabilities, the ‘Soul of Steel’ challenge stands as a testament to the potency of human spirit, endurance, and resilience. Through such initiatives, stakeholders hope to shine a spotlight on Uttarakhand as a promising destination for adventure tourism.