Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during an interview after their ascent at a camp in Nepal. (Reuters)

Darjeeling, Jan. 11: When Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbed Mount Everest, a ray of hope had shone on the little-known Sherpa community.

“He was like a god to many of them,” Sonam T. Tshering, Tenzing’s grandson told The Telegraph over phone from Sydney. “It (Hillary’s death) is a great loss to the Sherpa people.”

Through his Himalayan Trust, which was founded in 1962, Hillary had given the Sherpas in Nepal’s Solukhombhu area a new life.

The trust built 26 schools and two hospitals, mobilised funds to build an airport, promoted tourism and provided scholarships to Sherpas.

The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling today hoisted its flag at half-mast to pay homage to the man behind its birth. His portrait was placed near Tenzing’s memorial.

Hillary had visited Darjeeling in 1997 to unveil Tenzing’s statue on the HMI premises.

Colonel J.S. Dhillon, the HMI principal, said: “We also organised a condolence meeting at the institute today. It was because of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary’s feat that this institute was set up and it continues to inspire the younger generation.”

Dorji Latoo, an Everester, described Darjeeling’s favourite guest as “compassionate”.

“Hillary visited Darjeeling a number of times and I last spoke to him in 2004 when he handed over the Tenzing Norgay National Award. He was compassionate and kind. He was attached to Darjeeling as all expeditions started from this place before Nepal opened its gates,” said Latoo.

No wonder that Hillary visited the hill town eight times.

Latoo said the climber was worried about the increasing traffic to Everest. “He was disturbed about the increase in traffic and would always speak about it even during formal interactions.”

Kushang Sherpa, who has scaled Everest five times — he is the first man to climb all four faces — said he would always remain indebted to Hillary and Tenzing.

“They are father figures. Had they not achieved the feat, we would perhaps not have been here. We followed in their footsteps,” he said.