DEATH: THE UNEXPECTED GUEST
Prepare before it’s too Late

THIS article is based on a news item entitled “Tragedy after the Triumph” published in the Hindustan Times on November 20, 1992. November 1992 saw Sandeep Lamba at the apex of his career. Born on September 3, 1965, he was educated at Khalsa College, Delhi University, where he received his B.Sc. degree. Imbued with the spirit of adventure, he joined the defence services, where he distinguished himself in adventure sports and rose to the rank of lieutenant.

Greatly interested in mountaineering, he assembled a team of army men and began his ascent of the 6,731-meter-high Abi Gamin Peak in Garhwal on August 18, 1992. The climb continued until he reached the summit. As reported by the Hindustan Times on November 20, 1992, “His end came at the summit itself, soon after he had stood there with a triumphant smile. The snowpack on the summit gave way and he fell to his death thousands of feet below.”

Lieutenant Lamba’s life journey began within his immediate sphere and, through hard struggle, he managed to reach what seemed to be the zenith of his progress. At that very moment, the angel of death descended to snatch him away from the high point in his career, casting him down to the nadir of lowliness.

The story of Lieutenant Lamba is not the story of just one individual. It is the story of every one of us. The Quran reminds us of the transient nature of this life and the importance of preparing for the next: Every human being is bound to taste death: and you shall receive your rewards in full on the Day of Resurrection. He who is kept away from the Fire and is admitted to Paradise, will surely triumph; for the life of this world is nothing but an illusory enjoyment. (3: 185)

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