Kathmandu—
Life has come full circle for record-breaking Nepali mountaineer and former Gurkha soldier Hari Budha Magar, MBE.
This month, ‘Canterbury Christ Church University’ in the United Kingdom conferred upon him an honorary doctorate, honoring his extraordinary journey of resilience, adventure, and social contribution.
A Symbolic Recognition:
The university, in a formal ceremony, recognized Budha Magar not just for his mountaineering feats, but for transforming personal tragedy into global inspiration. Having lost both legs above the knee during a 2010 mission in Afghanistan, he redefined disability as a realm of possibility rather than limitation.
Upon receiving the degree, Budha Magar reflected emotionally:
“Thank you to Canterbury Christ Church University for this honor. A child born in a cowshed, walking miles to school, writing with chalk on wood, failing exams many times, never seeing a university — for me to receive this doctorate is surreal.”
He added, “This recognition proves that education is not limited to books alone, but also values the lessons of struggle and life. I hope my story inspires people to take on challenges, never give up, and follow their dreams, no matter what life throws at you”
A Life of Struggle and Reinvention:
Born in 1979 in a small remote village in Rolpa, western Nepal, Budha Magar grew up in poverty, facing repeated academic failures. At 19, he joined the Royal Gurkha Rifles, serving 15 years across five continents.
In 2010, during operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device (IED) changed his life forever — costing him both legs.
The physical trauma was immense, but the mental battle was even harder. Instead of retreating into despair, he chose to rebuild his identity and showcase the untapped potential of people with disabilities.
Turning Disability into Possibility:
Post-injury, Budha Magar immersed himself in sports and adventure — cycling, skydiving, kayaking, skiing, wheelchair racing, and team sports like rugby and basketball. His mantra became clear: *“Disability is not weakness, it is opportunity.”*
This belief carried him to some of the world’s tallest peaks. His key ascents include:
– Mera Peak (6,476m) – First double above-knee amputee to climb above 6,000m (2017)
– Mount Everest (8,848m) – First double above-knee amputee to summit the world’s highest mountain (May, 2023)
– Denali (6,190m)– North America’s highest peak (Jun 2024)
– Mont Blanc (4,810m)– Western Europe’s highest mountain (2019)
– Kilimanjaro (5,895m) – Africa’s highest peak (2020)
– Chulu Far East (6,059m) – Nepal Himalaya (2019)
– Aconcagua (6,960m) – South America’s highest peak (February 2025)
He is now on a mission to complete the “Seven Summits” challenge, having already conquered five of the seven continental giants. His achievements have been recognized by the *Guinness World Records*.
Honors and Humanitarian Work:
Budha Magar’s story has earned him prestigious accolades, including:
– Pride of Britain Award (2024)– For exceptional courage and contribution
– Member of the British Empire (MBE, 2024) – Conferred by Princess Royal for his advocacy on disability awareness and charity work
Beyond mountaineering, he has raised tens of thousands of pounds for organizations like Blesma, the Gurkha Welfare Trust, On Course Foundation, Pilgrim Bandits, and Team Forces.
A Global Inspiration:
Through his climbs, speeches, and social media presence, Budha Magar continues to spread one consistent message:
“With a positive attitude and right mindset, nothing is impossible. Life is about adaptation — turning challenges into opportunities.”
From a cowshed in Rolpa to the snowy heights of Everest and now the halls of academia, Hari Budha Magar’s journey is more than personal triumph.
It is a universal story of resilience, reminding the world that the human spirit can rise higher than any summit.