By: Rifiiness Warjri, Everester Cadet, 61 Meghalaya Girls Bn NCC
Every great journey begins with a dream – but mine began with a calling. A quiet voice in my heart whispered, “You are meant for something greater.” I was just a girl from a small village tucked away in the hills of Meghalaya. Life was simple, but my dreams were not. Destiny, it seemed, had carved a path for me – one that would lead me to the top of the world, thus making me the third daughter of Meghalaya, to achieve this feat.
On the early morning of 18 May 2025, around 4:00 AM, I stood at the summit of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), battling freezing winds, exhaustion, and altitude. That moment was more than a personal victory – it was for the NCC, my state, my family, and for every girl or boy who dares to dream.
But Everest was never just about one mountain peak. It was a journey of selection, survival, and transformation.
My journey truly began when I joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC). I had always admired the NCC as an organisation that grooms young people, regardless of their background into tomorrow’s leaders. So when I was selected to join as a Junior Wing Cadet at Auxilium School, I was thrilled. That moment marked the beginning of my transformation. From the very first day in uniform, I felt a sense of discipline, purpose and pride that I had never experienced before. There was no looking back. I continued my NCC journey with even greater dedication as a Senior Wing Cadet at St. Anthony’s College, where I embraced every opportunity to grow, serve and lead.
The pre Everest training was arduous. It started with Pre-Everest Expedition to Mount Abi Gamin (7,355 m) – we carried everything ourselves: tents, ropes, crampons. The terrain was brutal but taught us teamwork, resilience and survival. In the Basic Mountaineering Course at HMI Darjeeling, we learned rock craft, ice climbing, rescue techniques and the winter training at Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield – facing temperatures of -40°C, living in snow caves and climbing vertical ice walls.
Successful climbs of Renok Peak (16,500 ft) in Sikkim and Lobuche Peak (6,199 m) in Nepal pre-Everest Nepal, tested both my physical limits and mental strength. Lobuche almost broke me. I had the worst headache of my life and climbed all night through pain and fear but I was focused on the goal and never thought of giving up. That moment proved I was ready for Everest and from 17 lakh cadets across India, only 10 cadets (5 girls and 5 boys) were finally selected for the Everest expedition and proudly I can say “I was one of them”.
Finally our journey began on 11 April 2025 from Lukla, trekking through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche and finally to Everest Base Camp (EBC) on 19 April. The thin air made every step harder, but I never lost sight of the goal.
The climbing team of 38 consisted of 19 Climbers (including 10 cadets) and 19 Sherpas and finally 34 summited comprising of 17 Climbers (including 10 cadets) and 17 Sherpas. Some officers and staff stayed back at EBC to coordinate. The summit push started on 14 May.
Climbing in the Death Zone was terrifying — we began at 7 PM in darkness, silence, and wind. My Sherpa was unfamiliar, fear crept in, but I kept faith and climbed using my jumar, step by step.
I saw death on the mountain – 4 to 5 dead bodies, one climber gasping his last breath. There was no water at Camps 4 and 3, and lastly when we reach lhotse wall some sherpa give us water which I will never forget this experience which made me realise that water which we take for granted in Meghalaya is of so much value in those snowy peaks. My legs were shaking, but my will remained stronger than before. The descent was even harder than the climb.
At the summit, I took a few photos, offered a prayer, and looked at the horizon. I was above the clouds. I had made it.
Calling my parents after the climb was the most emotional moment. I cried as I said, “I did it.” It felt like I had brought the pride to the country and my state Meghalaya to the top of the world.
First and foremost, I offer my deepest gratitude to the National Cadet Corps — the organisation that helped me realise my full potential. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that a girl from a small village, with no background in mountaineering, could one day stand on the summit of Mount Everest.
Kudos to the officers and staff of the NCC especially the officers and staffs of 61 Meghalaya Girls Bn NCC under NCC Group HQ Shillong, NCC Directorate NER for their unwavering belief in us — for identifying the hidden potential within every cadet, and for grooming and polishing us into the best versions of ourselves.
I am especially thankful to Col. Amit Bisht, (Leader) and Col. Rajneesh Joshi (Deputy Leader) for their exceptional guidance and trust. To my incredible teammates and the brave Sherpas who supported and at times saved us — I owe you more than words can express. To my ever-supportive parents, and above all, to God for his bountiful blessings — thank you all. This achievement is not mine alone, it belongs to all of those who were part of this incredible journey of mine.
To the youth of Meghalaya, if there’s one piece of advice I can share from my journey, it is this: Never be afraid to dream big. Focus on that dream with all your heart, and work tirelessly to make it a reality. No matter where you come from, your dreams are valid, and your potential is limitless. With determination, discipline, and faith, there is no summit too high, no dream too big for us to achieve.
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