PALAKKAD: ‘I slipped on some dry grass and fell down from the hilltop. Since I fell on my chest, I was able to hang on to the rock without rolling down. I knew that I could not climb up 400 metres. So I went down, found a safe place and stayed there. Then I called my friends, informed them of my situation and also sent them a photograph. Later, I called the fire force. I kept standing till 10 pm on Monday. I couldn’t even close my eyes out of the fear of falling’, said Babu while recounting the experience of those 45 hours that passed by without a drop of water.

‘No one should imitate me. Those who love adventure should continue their travels only after following safety guidelines. Even though I had tried climbing the Kurmbachi hills, two times before, I retreated at half way. After distributing newspapers on Monday, I ate two porottas and went to climb the hill, along with my friends. My first plan was to go for fishing, but later changed to hill climbing, which felt more adventurous. I knew that there will be elephants and tigers on the way. But, it was my greatest desire to climb the hills that I see every day. Since we did not take any food or water with us, my friends got tired and retreated’, said Babu.

Even though I got trapped in the hills, I was not scared. I was confident that somehow I will escape. On the first day, I tried my maximum to stay at the safe place. I thought that I might be able to escape on the second day. But nothing happened even after the arrival of the police, fire force, forest department and NDRF teams. I did feel disappointed on not being able to get on the helicopter, but I was confident of escaping. It was the excessive heat and the cold of the night that prompted me to move 20 feet down the first spot. As I was amidst the rocks, there were no attacks from wild animals. I felt tired because I couldn’t even get water. I was able to see the huge crowd at the foot of the hills. On Wednesday, the army came near me and gave water. After resting for a short while, B Balakrishnan, a soldier, tied a belt around me and lifted me up. On reaching the top, I ate a pomegranate, but vomited. I spoke with my mother on the phone. The helicopter reached Kanchikode, one and half hour later. Once my health is fully regained, I will continue my travels following safety guidelines. I never expected that such an accident would take place or that I would have to trouble these many people. I thank everyone who prayed for me and helped to save me’, said Babu.