Octogenarian’s bid for Everest world record KATHMANDU: Former Foreign Minister Shailendra Kumar Upadhyaya at the age of 80 will attempt to beat the previous world record of scaling Mt Everest (8848m) by the oldest man in the world in order to register his name in the Guinness Book of World Records. For this, he has already successfully climbed the 6050-metre Mt Island peak as a prequalification test. SECEE Nepal 2008 organized a press meet and launch of the website as well as release of the brochure of SECEE Nepal 2008 today at the Academy hall in Kamaladi. The brochure was launched by Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami. According to Yami, Upadhayaya’s attempt is an example for the younger generation. She added that being the minister for tourism and civil aviation she herself has been greatly touched and encouraged to promote adventure sports for the promotion of tourism in the country. “Commitment and enthusiasm count more for sucess than does age” are the words of none other than feat scorer Upadhyaya. Full of zeal and conviction to set a new record, he has taken a break from the diplomatic arena to switch to mountaineering He has made it his mission to scale Mt Everest in May 2010. Executive member of SECEE Nepal, Prof Dr Surendra KC said, “It is a matter of pride for all Nepalese people and a chance to record the name of a senior citizen of our country in the Guinness Book of World Records.” The organization was sucessful in making a record in the year 2008 on May 25 as senior citizen Min Bahadur Serchan stepped on the peak of Mt Everest that day. “Unfortunately, his name has not been recorded in Guinness Book for some unknown reason,” said chairman of the organization, Ramjindaji Gurung. He added that in order to keep the title in favour of Nepal this time, Upadhaya has expressed his full conviction and the organization is quite hopeful. “I am confident of success as I believe the most important part of sucess in any mission is confidence in oneself, selfless commitment, desire to serve humanity and the will to win,” said Upadhyaya.