Kathmandu: The French Embassy has appointed mountaineer and photojournalist Purnima Shrestha as Goodwill Ambassador to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the historic first ascent of Annapurna. The milestone, achieved on June 3, 1950, by French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal with the support of a Franco-Nepali expedition team, will be officially celebrated on June 3, 2025.
According to the French Embassy, Shrestha’s deep connection to the mountains, along with her experience in high-altitude climbing, makes her a fitting choice for the role.
The first successful ascent of Annapurna remains a landmark in mountaineering history and a symbol of the long-standing friendship between Nepal and France. To mark the occasion, the embassy will host a series of talks, exhibitions, and discussions, focusing on the expedition’s legacy and contemporary mountain-related issues.