Shillong: Twenty-year-old Rifiness Warjri from Meghalaya has etched her name in history, becoming the youngest person from the state to summit Mount Everest. This remarkable achievement isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a powerful testament to the untapped potential in India’s often-overlooked northeast.
Hailing from a humble background in Laitkor, near Shillong, Rifiness’s journey to the world’s highest peak began far removed from snowy landscapes. Her parents operate a modest tea and chicken stall by the roadside, a place she still contributes to when she’s back home.
Despite reaching the pinnacle of the world, Rifiness remains incredibly grounded. “It’s my home. My roots keep me grounded… the mountains teach us humility. When I stood atop Everest, I realised how small and insignificant we are. That was one lesson I brought back and I am sharing with everyone,” she shared with PTI, her words reflecting a deep sense of perspective.
Her epic climb wasn’t propelled by big-ticket sponsors or elite mountaineering academies. Meghalaya, notably, lacks the robust infrastructure and institutional backing for adventure sports, particularly mountaineering. Rifiness’s triumph is purely a product of sheer determination, unwavering self-discipline, and the steadfast support of a close-knit family who never once doubted her.
Her father, Shlurbor Kharmyndai, his emotions quietly brimming with pride, expressed his hopes for her future. “It’s a proud moment for us. I wish that she secures a government job as soon as possible so that she can support the family as well, but I also do not want her to stop dreaming. She is free to fly big.”
Noury, her elder sister, who manages the tea stall alongside their mother, also shared her joy. “God has been kind to our family. Seeing my sister reach the top of the world is like a dream come true. She worked so hard and deserves all this love and respect.”
Accolades have naturally poured in. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma felicitated Rifiness, commending her for bringing immense honour to the state. Even Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged her feat, hailing her as a shining example of youthful resilience. In a symbolic gesture connecting her achievement to her roots, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) honoured her contribution to the state by accepting a rock she meticulously carried down from Everest.
However, for Rifiness, Everest is merely the beginning.
Her sights are now firmly set on the formidable Seven Summits — the highest peaks on each continent, a list that includes Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Vinson Massif in Antarctica. The scale of this challenge is immense, yet she remains undeterred.
“I want to show young people, especially girls, that we can dream big and make it happen — even if we start small,” she asserted. Her message to children from working-class backgrounds was both simple and profoundly impactful: “Your background should never limit your ambition. Believe in yourself and keep going.”
Before embarking on her next monumental climb, Rifiness intends to resume her BSc studies, which had been put on hold due to the demanding training and extensive travel over the past year. But her long-term vision remains resolutely fixed on the horizon, promising many more summits to conquer.
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