MatchCraft software engineer Kuntal Joisher was one of the lucky ones.
On April 25, 2015, Joisher narrowly escaped death in the huge avalanche on Mt. Everest that claimed 18 lives and injured more than 70. He was making his second summit attempt on Everest and was scheduled to be on the deadly ice fall that morning. At the last minute Joisher’s group postponed its ascent because some key equipment had not yet arrived – a turn of fate that saved Joisher’s life.
Joisher captured the terror of the avalanche in a YouTube video that has been viewed more than 22 million times (warning: the video includes some NSFW language).
The earthquake and avalanche decimated Nepal’s tourism industry, the lifeblood of the small country. To encourage Nepal tourism and raise money for organizations helping to rebuild the country, Joisher, an accomplished photographer and mountaineer, is mounting an exhibit of his photographs in southern California, which MatchCraft is co-sponsoring.
“The purpose of this exhibition is to showcase the beauty of Himalaya, so that visitors to the gallery fall in love with the country of Nepal and are inspired to tour the country,” says Joisher. “This would be the best way to help our friends in Nepal.”
Proceeds of the sale of Joisher’s photographs will go to The Nepal Youth Foundation, which provides healthcare and education to impoverished children in Nepal; and Empower Nepali Girls, which offers educational opportunities to at-risk girls who might otherwise end up in forced marriages or sex slavery.
Joisher will travel with A Photo Exhibition In Support Of Nepal Earthquake Relief to three southern California locations next month:
- Thursday September 17, 6:30pm: REI, 2962 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA (lecture and image presentation)
- Sunday September 20, 3pm: Kopeikin Gallery, 2766 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (premiere photography exhibit)
- Thursday September 24, 6:30pm: California Center for Digital Arts, 590 W. Central Avenue, Brea, CA (photography exhibit and social)
For more information about Joisher’s exhibit and supporting Nepal earthquake relief, see their Go Fund Me Campaign and like the exhibit’s Facebook page. Sponsorships are available at several levels; call (714) 514-3971 for information about becoming a sponsor.