Meenu, a determined girl hailing from village in Hisar district, has etched her name on the soaring heights of success by conquering the formidable Friendship Peak in Himachal Pradesh. Her journey from the serene landscapes of Data village to the breathtaking vistas atop the 17,352 feet high peak is a testament to her unwavering spirit and relentless dedication.
Born into a modest farming family, Meenu’s aspirations soared higher than the mountains themselves. Her upbringing amidst the rustic beauty of Data village and the encouragement she received from her father, Krishna Kaliraman, a small farmer with two acres of land, laid the foundation for her ambitious dreams. Despite the limitations imposed by their financial circumstances, Krishna never let the lack of resources hinder his daughter’s aspirations.
Meenu’s passion for scaling mountains was nurtured alongside her academic pursuits. A gold medalist in Taekwondo and a final year BA student, she exhibited an unwavering commitment to her interests, particularly in sports and rock climbing. While she never underwent formal mountaineering training, her determination served as her guide through the daunting terrains and icy winds.
Her triumph on the Friendship Peak marked a significant milestone, bringing her one step closer to her ultimate dream of conquering Mount Everest. For Meenu, this goal is not just her own aspiration but a shared dream with her father, who has been a pillar of support throughout her journey.
Financial constraints posed substantial challenges; the expenses for the necessary Mount Everest training typically range from Rs 30 to 40 lakhs, a figure beyond their means. Despite these hurdles, Meenu’s resilience remained unshaken. She now hopes for governmental support, appealing to the Haryana government for incentives similar to those provided to upcoming Olympians. She envisions a system that fosters and nurtures the aspirations of aspiring mountaineers, alleviating the financial burden that often obstructs their path to achieving great heights.
Meenu’s story resonates as a tale of determination, familial support, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. Her plea for assistance echoes the aspirations of numerous budding mountaineers, emphasizing the transformative impact of support and encouragement in carving pathways to monumental achievements.
Meenu said, “I recently conquered the world’s highest peak, Everest. Post my Everest triumph, I proceeded to scale Mount Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak, from a particular point. It was an incredibly challenging journey. I am immensely proud to be women from our country to accomplish this feat in just 60 hours. During my Everest ascent, I carried coarse grains, an idea given by our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023”.
She added, “I’m recognized as a ‘Drone Didi’ in Haryana nowadays. I’ve received training as a drone pilot, primarily for spraying fertilizing substances in small quantities on every acre of land. This initiative is poised to significantly benefit farmers. It’s crucial to explore how we can achieve more within shorter timeframes & with fewer expenses. For an athlete, diet and access to resources are very important. Getting sponsorships for resources is exceptionally vital. If these components are lacking, it leads to disappointment. It’s evident that if we, ourselves, are disheartened, how can we inspire the next generation?”
