Tell me about your family background and education. What is your academic qualification?
I am from Bhoj Nagar in Madhya Pradesh. My family consists of my parents and younger brother. Speaking about my academic achievements, I have completed B.Sc., M.S.W, and M.Sc. (Yoga) courses. Currently, I am pursuing PhD in Yoga. In mountaineering, I have completed Basic Mountaineering Course and Advanced Mountaineering Course. I have also received training in Scuba Diving.
Where did you find inspiration for becoming a mountaineer?
I was sent to my brothers for completing my education. At that time, we were living in a joint family. During my college studies, I read in newspapers that two boys had scaled Mount Everest. Reading this news item, I wondered if boys can achieve the target of climbing Mount Everest, then why not girls? Why can’t I be one of those girls? That news inspired me to dream about Mount Everest. I am quite stubborn, so I decided to pursue a mountaineering career and conquer Mount Everest. My teachers also inspired me to achieve my target.
What was the reaction of your family members when they found out that you wanted to become a mountaineer and touch the highest top in the World, Mount Everest?
The Mountains Transformed Me Completely” As far as the reaction of my family members is concerned, they did not even know what mountaineering was. Convincing them to pursue my dream of mountaineering was not easy. I told them that if I climb Mount Everest, I will get a government job. Seeing my self-confidence and determination, they eventually agreed to let me start working on my dream.
How challenging was your training for mountain climbing?
Training for mountain climbing is very challenging. It involves a semi- commando training environment where one learns to survive in snowy and icy conditions. The course teaches you how to navigate on soft ice (snow) and blue ice, and how to move on black ice. The mountaineering course is very difficult. I completed the course at the Atal Bihari Institute of Mountaineering and from the Himalayan School of Mountaineering. During the training, one must stay on snowy mountains for several days where the temperatures can be in minus degrees, and one must protect themselves accordingly.
In your mountaineering career, did you touch Mount Everest on your first attempt or you had to make several attempts?
I was not able to reach Mount Everest on my first attempt. The expedition usually takes two months. There are four camps set up, and there are big rocky crests to cross. Many times, we have to pass over dead bodies. After 7900 meters, the temperature drops to minus 52 degrees. Supplemental oxygen is required at this altitude, and even the oxygen intake has to be counted and regulated, taking six seconds to inhale and six seconds to exhale. In normal life, we do not count our breaths, but in mountain climbing, we must count our breaths carefully. My first attempt to reach the top point was unsuccessful, I could only reach a height of seven hundred meters. Upon returning, I fractured my spine and I had to spend nine months in bed. After recovery, I attempted the climb again. On May 22, 2019, at 5 a.m., I became the first girl from Madhya Pradesh to conquer the highest point in the world, ‘Mount Everest’. This is the proudest moment of my life.
What are the special qualities required to become a successful mountaineer and achieve your goals?
To become a successful mountaineer, first and foremost, you must have a love for the mountains in your heart. No mountaineer throws even a single piece of plastic on the mountain. The mountain changes you. One rule of mountaineering is that sometimes even a weaker climber climbs, and many times even expert mountaineers fail in climbing. To be successful in mountaineering, there must be complete faith and love for the mountain.
You’ll find out when you reach the top, you’re on the bottom.” -Bob Dylan
How challenging is mountaineering for women? What is your experience?
Mountaineering is very challenging for women. Women experience menstrual periods for up to two months while staying in the mountains. Hormonal changes occur in their bodies, and the colour of their blood also turns yellowish. Many difficulties arise in the body during mountain climbing, and the body must be managed accordingly. I believe that there is no such thing as a male or female mountain in climbing, only humans climb.
Mountain climbing teaches us to understand and strengthen our mental and physical state. When someone touches the peak of a mountain with self-confidence and courage, the small difficulties that arise in life do not hold much importance. Mountain climbing makes us physically and mentally strong.
Apart from India, in which countries have you touched the mountain summits?
I have had different experiences with the mountains of all the continents. The feeling of being in the mountains and experiencing the greatness of mountains is priceless. When I reach the top point of a mountain, it seems like all the other mountains have become small. The sky is above the mountains, and it feels like God is there. It is a feeling that “today I am both above and below the sky.”
When I reached Everest, I could see the colourful rays of the sun. The temperature was minus 52 degrees Celsius. It was the most memorable experience to be at the peak of the highest mountain with the flag of my country in my hands. When you reach the mountain, you feel like you are at the bottom, just like Bob Dylan said.
You are the brand ambassador of the Madhya Pradesh government’s important campaign ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padao’. What are your priorities under this?
I am the brand ambassador ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padao’. It is my duty to inspire people to save and educate their daughters. I go door to door in the surrounding areas and give out the message that the opportunity should be the same for daughters and sons. Both should be treated equally. Under this campaign, I started the initiative that on the birth of daughters, drums should be played in celebration just like we do when a son is born. After Divyanka Tripathi and Shilpa Shetty, I was chosen as the brand ambassador. This is a great feeling. I am proud to be associated with the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padao’ campaign.
You are an expert in both mountain climbing and scuba diving. What are your accomplishments in scuba diving?
Scuba diving, like mountain climbing, is also challenging. My world record is that no one has gone below the depth of 147 feet after touching the highest point of the seven continents. Going 45 meters down, this is my world record in scuba diving.
What are your goals in life, and what heights do you want to reach?
My goal in life is to continue the path of constant progress. I want to achieve small goals successfully. In our village, there is a saying, “Bandh mutthi lakh ki, khul gayi toh khak ki “ Therefore, when I achieve my goals, I will share them with everyone.
You have received various awards for mountaineering. Which award do you consider the highest for yourself?
I have received several national awards for notable achievements in my mountaineering career. I consider all these awards equal, whether it is a college trophy or a national award. Every award I have received is precious to me.
On what campaign are you working these days that satisfies you?
These days, I am working on a campaign to climb the mountains in my village, where many other girls also live. I am helping them to climb their mountains too.
In life, everyone has his/her own mountain to climb, and the goal should be to conquer it despite all the difficulties. I am with all the girls who have souls like mine. I am looking for opportunities and clouds around me. I am helping everyone around me.
