British-Indian South Pole Trekker Preet Chandi Receives Honorary Degree

British-Sikh South Pole trekker Preet Chandi will be receiving an honorary degree from University of Derby later this month. Chandi became the first woman of colour to trek solo to the South Pole in 40 days. She started her journey in November 2021.

South Pole Trekker Preet Chandi set the world record as she completed 700 mile (1126 km) trek facing strong icy winds with a temperature of -50 degrees Celsius in 40 days. She announced her achievement through her blog on January 3 as she wrote, "I made it to the South Pole where it’s snowing." Chandi prepared and trained for two years before setting out for her journey to Antarctica. With her enthusiasm and determination, Chandi broke all stereotypes against Asian women and set an example for others to follow. Speaking about what inspired her journey to the South Pole Captain Chandi mentioned, "I didn’t know much about the continent when I first started planning and that is what inspired me to go there."

Who is Preet Chandi?

The South Pole trekker Preet Chandi is a British Army Medical officer who completed her solo expedition to Antarctica on January 3, 2022. The 33-year-old was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2022 Birthday Honours. Earlier in June 2022, she also became an MBE. The South Pole trekker Preet Chandi is also a British Army officer of Indian origin, physiotherapist, ultra-marathon runner and endurance athlete.

University Of Derby Honorary Degree

Preet Chandi will be receiving an honorary masters degree from the University of Derby along with LGBTQ rights advocate Shaun Dellenty getting an honorary doctorate of education as well as Lydia Thompson, member of British women's rugby union team and University of Derby graduate. Expressing her gratitude towards the honour, Captain Chandi said, "It is an absolute honour to receive an honorary masters from the University of Derby. I attended this university over 10 years ago and never thought I would be capable of achieving what I have. To have these achievements recognised is so special and something that I will always hold with me."

Chandi will receive the degree along with other students in the presence of other guests and VIPs in a ceremony which will take place at the Derby arena from July 20-22, 2022.