Johann Peries, who made history as the first Sri Lankan man to reach the summit of Mount Everest, took part in an interactive programme titled 'Dream Big' in New Delhi. The event was organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi, welcoming students from various schools and colleges across the Indian capital.
During the discussion, the professional hairstylist and entrepreneur detailed his historic mountaineering feat. He recounted his heartbreaking first attempt in 2016, when an oxygen supply issue forced him to turn back around 400 metres short of the peak. After two years of intense physical training, mental focus and financial planning, he conquered Mount Everest on May 22, 2018.
Life-Threatening Moments and Big Dreams
Peries also looked back on several close brushes with death that altered his perspective on life. These included a major road accident in 1997, the 2005 Mumbai floods, and a risky trek to Island Peak in Nepal in 2012.
Alongside his salon work, he actively engages in dancing and acting, while pursuing the Seven Summits Challenge to scale the highest mountain on every continent. He reminded students that everyday work must not stop anyone from pursuing real passion.
“It is not about finding time, it is about making time.”Johann Peries
Inspiring the Next Generation
Participants from several educational bodies, including Hindu College and Miranda House of the University of Delhi, joined in to ask questions about fear, courage and high-altitude dangers.
Peries advised the young audience to pick up fresh skills, tackle their fears directly, and never let failures decide their path. The Sri Lankan High Commission noted that the session was set up to push youth beyond typical career tracks and motivate them toward big dreams.
