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This is the story of my 19,341-foot journey up Africa's tallest peak. In truth, the journey encompassed a lot more than those steps. It began as a boy in an impoverished community in India, developed as a dream, and climaxed as a successful fundraising campaign that allowed for the development of sixty-five toilet systems in my native country.
Even though it was my personal, long-held dream to summit the mountain, accomplishing that feat wasn't about me. It was about purpose. What was I doing for others that warranted the gift of being able to undertake such a journey?
Just like my decision to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for charity, my decision to write this book came from my desire to help others. I believe we are here to spread happiness and goodness in the world. This book is less a recollection of my summit, and more a compilation of lessons that the mountain-and the people who supported my journey-taught me about life.
I hope that, through reading about my journey, you recognize that you possess more capabilities than you could imagine. You simply have to explore and test the limits of your own abilities. May my own realizations about human potential inspire you to see your potential, and the opportunity to use it to do good for others.
About the author
Girish Agrawal is the Principal of Agrawal Associates and a sought-after speaker in the personal finance industry. He enjoys helping Canadians achieve their financial and life dreams.
Highly qualified, Girish has more than 25 years' experience in providing financial advice, beneficial tax strategies, investment portfolios, accounting, estate planning and more. Girish believes in following prudent principles of wealth management, looking at all financial aspects to ensure his clients are set up to live happy, healthy and wealthy lives - in that order.
Beyond financial consulting, Girish is a well-respected member of the community, being recognized with several awards and accolades including Calgary's Top 40 Under 40 (2008), Canada's Top 25 Immigrants (2009) and President's Elite, Top 1 % of Investors Group Consultants based on new business (2006-2013).
Girish climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on Feb. 29, 2016, raising more than $150,000 to improve sanitation in India through his Summit for Dignity campaign. He continues to make it a priority to give back to the community. In addition to sponsoring a scholarship at Mount Royal University, he supports the livelihood and education of two children through Plan Canada and has established a trust fund at Calgary Health Trust to provide specialized training for health care professionals dealing with emerging diseases and infections.
Girish is married to Shruti and they joyfully reside together in Calgary.
