I have always accepted and endorsed both Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Castillo (Sr) and Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja (Jr) whenever they mentioned that life is possible on top of Mt Everest. I never doubted. I have a lot of supporting evidence which I wish to share with the rest of the world, during this meeting at very high altitude in Chacaltaya (5230 m) where I deliver my talk for the second time. Life does exist at extreme conditions of heat, pressure, temperature, radiation etc. We have functional life at the deepest part of the sea and at very high altitude. Life started at the bottom of the sea and birds fly for long hours at very high altitudes during their migration. People migrated to live and reproduce at high altitudes. The secret of life adaptation is not well understood. Scientists have designed their studies to find out the problems faced during their adaptation. Limited efforts are made to realize how life has sustained for long periods of time at extreme conditions. The most common household pests, cockroaches, have survived severe radiation, heat, and cold and even toxic pesticides, to which they adapt and can therefore not be eliminated. Plants which normally grow at a particular rate under normal conditions, are found growing at a higher rate when their life is threatened, as noted in young mango plants when pruned, they flower and yield fruit earlier. We are aware of the longevity in plants when they are bonsaied. Similar life prolongation is noted in humans and animals under hypoxic conditions. Longevity of life under hypoxic conditions is well established and it seems evident that high altitude residents have a healthy form of life. Lowlanders under hypoxic conditions and highlanders under hyperbaric conditions, as presented by Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, will have initial problems (peripheral edema, somnolence and other changes), which get adjusted. On long stays, with generations living in those environments, there will be a genetic adaptation, which is applicable to all forms of life. Physical and mental performance improves at higher altitudes. Hypoxia makes other dormant parts of the human brain function, and hence great philosophers and religious giants frequently visited high altitudes. When these environments are altered by any manmade developments, it hampers the process of natural adaptation. Many toxins are now found causing environmental damage at various levels. This is evidenced by the unreasonable usage of medication. Living in harmony with nature seems to be the ultimate solution. The effect seems to be more evident on life at high altitudes. Let us preserve high altitude conditions for better health, for quality longevity. Let the dream of the Parvatha Guru (Mountain Guru), Gustavo Zubieta-Castillo Sr., come true.
