Ashoka Reflections_AUGUST 2023
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Chamba created a niche space for himself at the juncture of sports and sustainability through his organisation,
Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL). The organisation was established in an effort to encourage
sustainable behavioural changes and promote environmental responsibility through sports. The foundation
conducted its inaugural trail running event, the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon in the February of 2023. It was
called 'The Last Run' implying that this could be the last run on a frozen lake as the glaciers are rapidly melting
due to global climate changes. The marathon brought together passionate runners from all over India and
helped raise awareness about the depleting resources in Ladakh. ASFL received the Guinness World Record for
organising the world's highest frozen lake half-marathon. Such an accolade helped provide coverage to
Chamba's unique mission to raise awareness about climate change through the avenues of sports while
simultaneously bringing winter tourism to Ladakh.
All participants were made to stay in local homestays and relish the native delicacies of Ladakh. The
programme also inculcated eco-friendly practices such as a 'no plastic bottles' policy and carpooling. Chamba
and his team also took the participants around Ladakh, showing them the Ice Stupas of Ladakh in an effort to
raise awareness about the water shortage problem. Through the avenues provided by his marathon, Chamba
turned his participants into sustainability ambassadors as he highlighted the ramifications of climate change.
The participants responded with enthusiasm and many shared their own set of ideas on sustainability for
future marathons.
An entrepreneur and changemaker at heart, sustainability has always been fundamental to Chamba. "The
Young India Fellowship introduced me to an incredibly diverse and talented cohort. Conversing with them not
only inspired many discourses about sustainability but also taught me so much about business and
entrepreneurship", says Chamba. "The course Indian Ecosophy taught by Professor Aseem Shrivastava helped
me understand more about the human-nature relationship", reminisced Chamba as he looked back on his YIF
journey.
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