Kathmandu, Sept. 22 -- Twenty-third September marks the 15th anniversary of the tragic death of Dr Harka Gurung and 23 other environmentalists, diplomats, politicians and professionals in ahelicopter crash in Ghunsaof Kangchenjunga. Among them were pioneering conservationists that day, including Chandra Gurung, Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Yeshe Lama, Tirthaman Maskey and many others.

Harka Gurung was born in Lamjung in January 1939 and was the fifth of six sons. Nicknamed 'Hanuman' by his parents, family members remember that from a young age he showed great promise, always curious about the world, and eager to learn new ideas.

He topped the Intermediate level at Tri-Chandra College in Kathmandu and in BA (Hons) at Patna College. He then dropp...