Chandigarh: 23 year old Ram Lal Sharma of Haryana, who scaled Mount Everest in May 2013 has been forced to sell vegetables to repay his debts.
Ram Lal Sharma on the Peak of Mount Everest in May 2013
Ram Lal Sharma a resident of Tohana in Fatehabad district of Haryana, had conquered Mount Everest on May 21.
Upon his success, Haryana Government had announced a Cash Reward of Rs 5 Lakh for him. In his Message Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had said that the state is proud on their achievement and this marvelous feat would inspire other youngsters also.
However, he is still to receive the award money. In the meantime he had to secure loan for Treatment of his Father who is ailing and bedridden for last few months. Since, there is no source of money for him, he has resorted to most fundamental business of becoming a Vegetable Vendor. These days he can be seen selling fruits and vegetables on the roads of Fatehabad.
The Haryana Government could not offer any suitable job to  Ram Lal, who is a graduate in sports science and a diploma holder in physical education.
With deteriorating Financial condition, he also approached local  MLA and Haryana minister Paramvir Singh and Sirsa MP Ashok Tanwar, which too could not deliver any fruitful result.
Strangely, another Mt Everest climber Mamta Sodha who reached peak was appointed DSP by the Haryana government and given Rs 21 lakh.