The only Russian word Babu was familiar with was “alpinista” (mountaineer)
Ace Indian mountaineer Malli Mastan Babu (Photo: PTI)
Nellore: Several friends of Malli Mastan Babu came to Gandhi Jana Sangam village, 30 km from Nellore, to pay their respects to the mountaineer. Col. Ashok Babu, registrar of the Korukonda Sainik School and a schoolmate of Babu, said his love of adventure marked Babu since his school days.
“There was no swimming pool when we were studying in the Sainik School. He used to take us to lakes and wells in the countryside for a swim. He was an expert swimmer and climbing trees, especially coconut trees.”
According to Satyam Beemarasetti, another friend, Babu had run into some gun-wielding Ukraine rebels when he was descending Mount Elbrus few years back. Babu hardly knew Russian or Ukrainian and the rebels couldn’t understand English. The only Russian word Babu was familiar with was “alpinista” (mountaineer). They let him go after they understood he was an Indian alpinista.
It emerged the Ukrainians were fans of Bollywood star Mithun Chakraborty and this helped Babu to handle befriend with them, Mr Beeramaseeti said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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