Encounter - Sir Edmund Hillary

In this 70s interview for the current affairs show Encounter, Sir Ed discusses his aid work in Nepal and the deep bond he formed with the Nepalese people. The famed explorer reflects on both the benefits and drawbacks of Western influence in the country, while visiting the Nepalese schools and hospitals he helped to establish. Local Sherpas struggle with tuberculosis and iodine deficiencies, while western tourists and mountaineers battle altitude sickness. Produced by Mike Gill, the interview includes material on the creation of Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976 with help from the New Zealand Government.

I think this is one of the things that has given me satisfaction. That perhaps, we have made changes that may be good, and may be bad —  but we have tried to give the children the opportunity to meet the changes and the challenges.

– Sir Edmund Hillary on building schools in rural Nepal in part one

Key Cast & Crew

Mike Gill

Producer

Edmund Hillary

Subject