Funds for Polar expedition

I wish to embark on an unusual but exciting expedition in April 2008 — to ski in sub zero temperatures, over sea ice to the geographic North Pole. I have spent a major part of my life in adventure travel, with the twin purpose of influencing young people to broaden their horizons and be aware of contemporary environment related issues.

My previous experience includes expeditions to remove a ton of garbage polluting the Gomukh glacier, a two-and-a-half-month international venture with Raleigh International in Chile, being part of ‘Mission Antarctica 2041’ at the World Environment Summit in Johannesburg and the ‘International Antarctic Expedition 4’ to the frozen continent of Antarctica in 2006, besides many others. During my ‘career’ I have earned the President’s Scout Award in 1987, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Standard in 1993 and the Surat Parsi Panchayat Award for 1997 presented by the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India for excellence in the field of adventure.

Nauzer Batlivala: skiing over sea ice

I am gearing myself up physically and mentally for the expedition to the North Pole in April 2008, but lack funds and sponsorship. The total cost of the expedition is budgeted at about $ 30,000. The expedition is being organized by Doug Stoup, an American who is a regular and renowned Polar traveler (see www. iceaxe.tv). I request readers to help me. Please give me a commitment as to the amount you may be able to afford for me. The sum may be sent directly to me or to the organizer of the expedition when the time comes to pay the expedition fee.

As in the past, my intention will be to share mainly with young people the experiences I had, not on environmental issues only. I want youngsters to be inspired to attempt something similar, to reach out for something they want to do. I repeat that I have no commercial intent at all and I am not looking to make money out of this expedition. All of us may not be fortunate or capable enough to undertake such an expedition, but if I have a positive impact on others they will be encouraged, enthused and motivated to believe they can achieve whatever they set their hearts and minds to.

I look forward to a positive and generous response from readers. My address is 103, Ripon Street, Calcutta 700016; mobile no. 09831086039, e-mail: nauzavi@vsnl.net

NAUZER BATLIVALA

Calcutta