“A significant part of the world lacks the most basic necessities of life. Forget about pursuing dreams and passions, for them every day is a struggle. And that’s when I told myself that when I get back home I’m going to strive and work hard to do my bit to create a world where everyone would have the basic necessities of life and at least would have an opportunity to pursue their dreams and passions. And this became the biggest Everest of my life.”   –  Kuntal A Joisher

Nepal Earthquake Rebuild Effort and SUNSAR MAYA

The devastating earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015 killed more than 10,000 people, displaced more than half a million from their homes and turned the city and villages into a rubble. The magnitude of the destruction that amassed all over the country confounded and shattered Kuntal.

In that very moment, Kuntal knew that he had to do Something! Anything! for the country that, for him, is a home away from home.  

Kuntal organized his famed photo gallery exhibition showcasing his photos of Nepal and the Himalayas. The idea was to inspire the audience to fall in love with Nepal, visit the country in future, in the hope that it would contribute to Nepal’s economy.

In the spirit of goodwill and benevolence that poured in, Kuntal and his friends raised more than 20,000 USD through gallery events in Mumbai, Los Angeles and Orange County.

Once a budding mountaineer, Kuntal found a close affinity with the Sherpas and became fascinated with their lifestyle, culture, infamous hospitality and their super human strength.

Kuntal asserts due credit and gratitude to the Sherpa guides and calls for utmost respect and recognition for them. Kuntal has been actively involved in raising funds for Nepal earthquake rebuild effort for the last three years and continues to do his bit for this worthy cause through his talks at various places.

Kuntal’s climbs and adventures are equally inspired by “Sunsar Maya” cause. Sunsar Maya is a non profitable organisation that aims to improve lives of the orphan and underprivileged children in Nepal. It is committed to providing effective modern education opportunities to these vulnerable children and Kuntal is one of the board members of Sunsar Maya.

Dementia —Care and Share!

Kuntal’s Everest dream had another powerful cause that he holds dear to his heart. Through his climbs, he actively raises awareness for Dementia.

Kuntal’s father has been suffering from Lewy Body dementia LBD, (a form of dementia that shares degenerative characteristics with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) for the last 17 odd years and Kuntal became his primary caregiver.

Supporting to work towards raising understanding and consciousness about social stigma and education, Kuntal hopes that other caregivers in the world can learn from his journey.

Kuntal finds that it is possible to have a good balance between one’s responsibilities as a caregiver and one’s pursuit of one’s dreams and passions. Kuntal believes that the most important treatment one can give is love, dignity, respect, education and a strong family support.

Kuntal professes a deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his mother, wife and sisters.