Hillary was also active in India, campaigning for protecting the pristine environment of the Himalayas and even promoting the cause of Indian tourism.

“He used to speak so glowingly about India at major tourist conferences. He was very fond of India,” said Kohli, adding that the fondness extended to Indian food too. “He loved Indian curry and samosa. When I was in Sydney between 1975-79, he was a regular visitor at our place and relished our food.”

Hillary also served as New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India from 1985 to 1989. During that time he joined hands with Kohli to start the Himalayan Environment Trust, an endeavour that he remained associated with till his last day.

A regular on the lecture and conference circuit, he spoke and wrote extensively about the growing pollution in the mountains and was the major fundraiser for the trust.