Mysore/Mysuru: Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji has said, “The recent feat of Prof. Usha Hegde of JSS Dental College and Hospital, the first woman from Mysuru to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 19 this year, is also a matter of pride for our institution.”

The Swamiji was addressing the gathering, during a programme organised to felicitate Prof. Usha Hegde, by JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), at Sri Rajendra Auditorium, JSS College of Pharmacy in the city yesterday.

“As per records, a total of 6,664 mountaineers from several countries have climbed Mount Everest so far and 544 among them are Indians. Dr. Usha joins the list of such mountaineers, which is a matter of pride for JSS AHER,” added Swamiji.

Dr. Usha, who started climbing Mount Everest on Apr. 19 reached the summit on May 19, thus setting a record. By fluttering the flag bearing the name of JSS, she has enhanced the pride of the institution, apart from her individual achievement, lauded Swamiji.

Swamiji also praised Dr. Usha’s husband surgeon Dr. Ajay Hegde for his constant support to his spouse. Prior to her expedition, Dr. Usha underwent a rigorous practice, besides climbing the steps of Chamundi Hill daily, added Swamiji.

JSS AHER Vice-Chancellor Dr. Surinder Singh said, “If one has to achieve, perseverance counts, which is always rewarding and is evident with the achievement of Dr. Usha. The support of family members and fitness are vital in becoming a successful mountaineer after undergoing constant training. It is a combination of all these factors that, Dr. Usha evolved as an achiever.”

Having a vast experience of 25 years in teaching, Dr. Usha also holds the credit of producing several hundreds of students, said Prof. Singh. She has also brought out a book documenting her experience in becoming a successful mountaineer by maintaining the fitness and involving herself in marathon, triathlon and other sports, added Prof. Singh.

JSS Dental College Principal Dr. M.R. Dhakshaini said, the zeal to achieve something in life and the practice to climb Mount Everest has catapulted Dr. Usha to fame, becoming a first Mysurean to reach the summit.

In her address, Prof. Usha said, “My family members back home were wary as my phone was switched off while climbing the peak. After reaching the summit, I called them to inform them about the achievement. The joy knew no bounds. I am extremely happy that our institution has honoured me in recognition of my achievement.”

JSS Mahavidyapeetha Executive Secretary Dr. C.G. Betsurmath, JSS AHER Registrar Dr. B. Manjunath, JSS Dental College & Hospital Vice-Principal Dr. H.P. Jaishankar, Dr. Brinda, Dr. S.M. Anushree, Dr. Kathyayini, Dr. S. Manjula, Dr. J.N. Hegde and Dr. Suman Basavaraju were present.