Shillong– In a truly inspiring gesture, Rifiness Warjri, Meghalaya’s youngest Everester, today handed over a rock she meticulously collected from the very summit of Mount Everest to the Directorate of Mineral Resources. The 20-year-old’s act serves as a profound tribute to her beloved home state and a powerful beacon of inspiration for future generations.
Warjri has now joined an exclusive club of mountaineers from Meghalaya, becoming the fourth individual from the state to conquer the world’s highest peak. This legacy of extraordinary achievement began in 2012 with Gary Jarman Lamare, a renowned Discovery Channel photographer. He was followed by Wansuk Myrthong, a brave armed police constable, in 2013, and Dolyne Kharbhih, a former NCC cadet, who summited in 2016.
The precious rock sample, gathered by Rifiness during her successful expedition earlier this year, was officially received by Mardondor Tongper, the Director of Mineral Resources. Tongper lauded the gesture, calling it both historic and immensely inspirational. “This rock is more than just a piece of Everest. It is a piece of courage, commitment, and the unconquerable spirit of Meghalaya’s youth,” Tongper remarked, adding, “We will preserve it as a symbol of excellence and a reminder that even the sky is not the limit when our young people dare to dream.”
Rifiness, who etched her name in history as the youngest from Meghalaya to scale Everest, shared that this gesture was her way of giving back to the state and igniting the spark of ambition in others. “Climbing Everest was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it taught me that no goal is too high if you prepare, believe, and push through your limits,” she said. “I wanted to leave behind something that would remind young people from every corner of our state that we are capable of achieving greatness.”
The Everest rock is set to be prominently displayed at the Directorate’s premises, serving as both a geological marvel and a powerful motivational exhibit. It is hoped that its presence will inspire visitors, students, and especially aspiring mountaineers to chase their own dreams. “This is not just a rock, it’s a story of perseverance, and it now belongs to every young dreamer in Meghalaya,” Tongper further emphasised. The DMR chief also took the opportunity to felicitate Rifiness in the presence of his officers and staff.
A humble Rifiness extended her heartfelt gratitude to God, her family, her mentors, and the state government for their unwavering support throughout her challenging expedition. She expressed her hope to continue utilising her platform to promote sports, adventure, and environmental awareness among the youth of Meghalaya.
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