‘Polar Preet’ inspires children to become explorers in new book
Guide teaches camping, survival and navigation through fun challenges
By Amit RoyJun 27, 2024
HARPREET KAUR “PREET” CHANDI , or ‘Polar Preet’ as she is better known after her record-breaking trips to the South Pole, has talked to Eastern Eye about the adventure book she has written for children.
The Explorer’s Guide to Going Wild: Find Adventure Anywhere is suitable for Asian parents to browse with children aged seven or even younger, she said.
Her publishers point out that “Preet is a British physiotherapist and British army medical officer who is the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition across Antarctica to the South Pole (ending January 2022). In January 2023, she broke the Guinness World Record for the longest ever solo and unsupported oneway polar ski expedition, travelling 922 miles across Antarctica in 70 days.”
Readers are told: “In this book, kids will learn how they can become a master explorer. Whether they want to learn how to camp in the wild, navigate their way through a new landscape, master bushcraft skills, or plan a polar expedition, this book will show them how to do it.
Preet receiving her MBE
“Each chapter has a mini challenge for young explorers to try at home, from learning how to read the stars to building a den. All these skills will help children to push their boundaries, build a resilient explorer mindset, and get outdoors.
“Preet shares tales of her own expeditions, big and small, as well as practical things kids can do, to inspire her readers to try new things and have their own adventures (even on their doorsteps!)”
Chandi writes: “Throughout my life, I’ve encountered people who doubted me. They said I wasn’t smart enough for university, but I was, and I even got my master’s degree. They said I couldn’t join the army but I did, and I made a career out of it. Some people said I couldn’t do things because of my background and my gender. I’m British Indian. I was born in England and have family roots in India, and sometimes when people don’t know many people from your background, they put you in stereotypes.”
And in bold lettering, she explains to her young readers: “Stereotypes are when people mistakenly believe something about a person or thing based on how they look from the outside.”
She also says: “You don’t always need to go far from home to have an amazing experience. One of my favourite adventures was in the UK when I took my niece, Simran, camping for the first time. Camping at my mum’s house was a perfect adventure for Simran because if we needed anything inside the house, it was easy to grab.”
Chandi has taken a career break from the army – she recently got married – and travels the country talking to children.
She laughed as she confided to Eastern Eye: “Yes, I am married now, all went well, very different from expedition planning is what I tell people.”
She was born in 1988, and grew up in Derby, only 60 miles from the Peak District. “And I had never been to the Peak District until, I think, probably adult age,” she confessed.
Venturing into the outdoors wasn’t the norm in the Asian community, she observed. “It was like, ‘Why are you doing that?’ Being outdoors is pushing your comfort zone in a different way. But if you’re doing this with kids, it becomes normal for them.”
The cover of Preet's book
Her book is dedicated “to my niece Simran, and nephews, Karanveer and Arjan.” She said: “The first time I took Simran camping, I remember she was four, and just in the back garden. It was such a big deal for everybody in the family. Simran loved it. If you’re doing these when you’re younger, it doesn’t become that much of a big deal when you’re older.”
There is an intrinsic modesty about Chandi. “I love talking to kids, young people,” she continued. “I knew I would write a book at some point but I didn’t think it would be like this. I thought I would talk about all of my adventures. And the thing I love about this book is it’s not all about me.
“Yes, it tells you about some of my adventures, but it’s more about what you can do to have your own adventures. And that came from the editor. It’s not just about my journey, I’ve done this, and I’ve done that. It’s important for me to be relatable and, okay, if I’ve done this, what does it mean for you? (As a child growing up in Derby) I didn’t know anything about this world at all. I didn’t know anything about the army when I joined (at the age of 17). I didn’t tell my parents when I joined. I knew nothing about Antarctica. So, for me, it’s saying, if I can do this, you can go and do anything.”
She also emphasised: “And, you know, no adventure is too small. You start small, and you build up, and it can just give you so much, even just for your mental health. There are people who just don’t want to have those conversations, or ignore it or put it under the carpet. The outdoors have been unbelievable for my mental health.”
Chandi talked of the response of the Asian community to her achievements. Even now, “there’s a mixture community wise, like some people are super supportive and some haven’t acknowledged that I’ve been anywhere and done anything.
“Sometimes they might go out into the outdoors and think, ‘oh, there’s not people that look like me’. And sometimes that’s difficult because you’re going out of probably a comfort zone, being around people who are in your community. Then you go outside and you think, there may not be people that are from the same background as you, or have anything in common with you.
“But, to be honest, now I see so many groups from different backgrounds, and it’s amazing seeing how many people get out to the outdoors. And one thing I love about the outdoors is the outdoors isn’t going to judge you. It doesn’t matter how slow you are.
Preet in her wedding attire
“I was the person when I first started going off to a mountain, it was in the wrong clothing and the wrong footwear, and then I learnt. It’s really important not to be judgmental and to realise that everybody has come from a different start point, and that’s okay.”
She offered practical tips on why even Asian skins require sun cream, supplies such as food and water to pack in backpacks plus first aid kits, and why new boots should be worn in. For a meal break, her favourite is taking (dried) mango wrapped in a paratha. She can cook dal and sabji and, of course, paratha, she said.
Her book builds on basics: no adventure is too small; build your own shelter; embrace mistakes; why the best adventures are with friends; solo exploration; and night-time magic.
In the book, Chandi says: “The first time I went camping was with the army. I was 19 years old and I’ll never forget the mix of emotions I felt. There were so many things I was trying that I had never done before.”
With people getting lost on holiday in difficult terrain, Chandi’s chapter on “super survival skills” might be a useful one to read.
The Explorer’s Guide to Going Wild: Find Adventure Anywhere is published by Wren & Rook, an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group. £9.99.
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A FRESH parliamentary initiative to establish a dedicated Sikh regiment within the British Army has gained momentum in the House of Lords, with defence minister Lord Coaker expressing willingness to engage in further discussions about the long-debated proposal.
The issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday (7) by Labour peer Lord Sahota, who asked whether there had been any progress on long-standing calls for a Sikh regiment.
"Given the loyalty of Sikh soldiers in both world wars, there has been talk of having a Sikh regiment in the British Army for a number of years," Lord Sahota said.
Minister of state at Ministry of Defence, Lord Coaker, responded positively, saying he was "quite happy to meet him to see what more we can do to recognise the contribution of soldiers such as Sikhs, and those of many other faiths as well."
He also referenced the upcoming VJ Day commemorations on August 15, noting it would be an appropriate time to reflect on wartime sacrifices, particularly those of Sikhs worldwide.
While no firm commitment was made to establish a regiment, the exchange represents the most encouraging governmental response to the proposal in recent years.
Sikhs have served in the British Army since the mid-1800s and became renowned for their martial traditions. During the First World War, over 100,000 Sikhs served in France, East Africa, and Gallipoli.
Despite being less than two per cent of British India's population, they comprised roughly 20 per cent of the Indian contingent. In the Second World War, more than 300,000 Sikhs participated in campaigns across North Africa, Italy, and Southeast Asia.
The proposal for a British Sikh regiment has been raised repeatedly in Parliament. In 2007, plans were dropped after the Commission for Racial Equality expressed concerns about potential segregation.
The debate was revived in 2015 when former defence secretary Nicholas Soames urged the government to overcome "political correctness" and honour Sikh military service.
Sikh community leaders have consistently argued they could easily recruit enough volunteers for a regiment, pointing to precedents such as the Scots, Welsh, and Irish Guards, and the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Currently, around 160 Sikhs serve in the British Army. The Defence Sikh Network continues to celebrate Sikh military traditions and encourage recruitment from the community.
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Cierra Ortega addresses her Love Island USA exit in a TikTok video
Cierra Ortega has exited Love Island USA after a past social media post using a slur resurfaced.
The 25-year-old content creator said she “had no idea” the word was a racial slur.
Ortega apologised to the Asian community and said she accepts being removed from the show.
She revealed her family has been threatened and immigration authorities were called on them.
Cierra Ortega, a contestant on this season of Love Island USA, has publicly apologised after an old social media post containing a racial slur resurfaced, prompting her sudden exit from the popular reality series.
The 25-year-old Los Angeles-based content creator addressed the controversy in a video, expressing regret for using a derogatory term towards Asian people in a post made last year. Ortega, who is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, said she was unaware of the word’s offensive meaning at the time but took full responsibility.
Ortega says she deleted the offensive post after learning it was a racial slurInstagram/cierra.ortega
Ortega says she had “no idea” it was a racial slur
In her nearly five-minute video, Ortega clarified that the post was made in 2024 and deleted as soon as a follower informed her that the word was a racial slur. “I had no idea that the word carried such pain or history,” she said, adding, “If I had known, I would have never used it.”
Describing the video as an “accountability post, not an apology video,” Ortega said she was deeply sorry to the Asian community and anyone she had hurt. She emphasised that ignorance was not an excuse and admitted that her actions had consequences. “Intent doesn’t excuse impact,” she said.
Following her exit from the villa, Ortega revealed that the backlash extended to her family. She claimed they had faced harassment, including death threats and even calls to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “My family doesn’t feel safe in their own home,” she said. “There’s no need to fight hate with hate. I don’t think that’s justice.”
Ortega’s relatives later issued a statement on her Instagram story, saying they understood the anger but condemned the level of harassment. “We’re not here to justify or ignore what’s surfaced. But the threats and attacks go far beyond accountability,” they wrote.
Ortega’s Instagram story Instagram Screengrab/cierra.ortega
Ortega accepts the show’s decision to remove her
Although the episode announcing her departure referred only to “personal reasons,” Ortega said she fully supported Love Island USA’s decision to remove her from the show. “This was a consequence I deserved,” she stated. Her former villa partner, Nic Vansteenberghe, remained on the show and has since recoupled with another contestant.
Ortega insisted she deleted the offensive post immediately after realising its meaning and has since made efforts to educate herself and others around her.
The Love Island USA contestant apologised to the Asian community onlineInstagram/cierra.ortega
Second contestant to leave over resurfaced racist remarks
Ortega is the second contestant to be removed from this season over past racist language. Earlier in the season, fellow islander Yulissa Escobar was taken off the show after an old podcast clip emerged in which she used another racial slur. Escobar also apologised on social media and echoed Ortega’s concerns about the extreme online abuse following her exit.
The backlash faced by both women has raised concerns about the mental health of reality TV participants. Peacock, the NBC-owned streaming platform airing Love Island USA, recently aired an on-screen message urging viewers to stop targeting contestants with threats and harassment.
Love Island USA aired a message urging viewers to stop harassing contestantsInstagram/cierra.ortega
As the show heads towards its finale, the debate continues over how far accountability should go, and at what cost to the people involved.
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Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices
Experts urge motorists to avoid leaving certain items in vehicles during upcoming heatwave
Temperatures expected to rise above 30°C across large parts of the UK
Contraceptives and common medications can lose effectiveness in high heat
Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices
Drivers urged to act as UK braces for extended heatwave
Drivers across the UK are being urged to remove a range of everyday items from their cars ahead of a predicted heatwave, with experts warning that the rising temperatures could pose both safety and health risks.
The Met Office has forecast a prolonged spell of hot weather, with temperatures expected to soar into the low 30s on Thursday and Friday. Much of the UK is likely to hit its regional heatwave threshold by the weekend, with this episode potentially affecting a wider area and lasting longer than previous hot spells.
While motorists are often aware of the dangers of leaving items like electronics or water bottles in hot vehicles, motoring specialists have highlighted a less commonly known risk — heat damage to contraception and medication.
Heat can reduce effectiveness of contraceptives
Experts from car dealership group Dick Lovett have warned that items such as birth control pills and condoms should not be left inside cars during hot weather. The interior of a vehicle can act like a greenhouse, with temperatures increasing by up to 50% in just an hour, even when the car is parked in the shade.
Most hormonal contraceptives, including the pill, need to be stored at temperatures between 20-25°C to remain effective. Exposure to extreme heat can degrade the active ingredients, reducing their ability to prevent pregnancy.
Similarly, condoms can be weakened by high temperatures, as heat may damage the latex or cause it to dry out, increasing the risk of breakage during use.
Drivers who store spare contraceptives in their glove box or handbag for emergencies are advised to remove them during heatwaves and follow the storage guidelines provided on the packaging.
Medicines and other everyday items also at risk
Alongside contraceptives, many commonly used medicines are also vulnerable to heat damage. Items such as inhalers, insulin, antibiotics, and other prescription medications can lose potency if stored in high temperatures for too long.
To prevent any potential health complications, drivers should remove all medication from their vehicles during hot weather and keep them in cool, temperature-controlled environments.
Other items to avoid leaving in cars during a heatwave include:
Suncream (can degrade or leak)
Vape devices (pose fire risk)
Sunglasses (can warp or become brittle)
Fizzy drinks (risk of explosion or container damage)
By taking a few simple precautions, motorists can reduce health and safety risks and avoid damage to personal belongings during the UK’s latest summer heatwave.
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Bumrah replaced Prasidh Krishna in the line-up. (Photo: Getty Images)
ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat in the third Test against India at Lord’s on Thursday.
The decision brought India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah straight back into action after missing the second Test. Bumrah, currently the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, had been rested for the match at Edgbaston, where India defeated England by 336 runs to level the five-match series at 1-1.
Bumrah replaced Prasidh Krishna in the line-up. Akash Deep, who had taken 10 wickets in Birmingham in Bumrah’s absence, retained his place. That win was India’s biggest Test victory away from home in terms of runs.
Stokes had opted to field in both previous matches of the series. England had won the first Test at Headingley by five wickets.
England had already announced their playing eleven for the Lord’s Test, with one change — Jofra Archer returned to the side after more than four years out of Test cricket due to injuries. He replaced Josh Tongue.
India captain Shubman Gill, who has scored 585 runs in the series so far at an average of 146.25 — including innings of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston — said he would also have bowled first.
"I was a bit confused this morning but I would've bowled first," Gill said at the toss. "If there is anything in the wicket, it's in the first day."
The 25-year-old added: "The bowlers are feeling pretty confident. I'm feeling great, as a batsman you feel like you'll always be in the middle."
Stokes said: "The mood's good. It's been a very well fought two Test matches, set up the series nice but we're pushing to leave Lord's leading 2-1. Bodies are all good, a quick turnaround, everyone's fresh."
Teams:
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wkt), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir