Tashi Yangjom: The First Indian Woman to Scale Mt Everest in 2021 Inspires Young Adventurers
“I want to inspire young ones,” says Tashi Yangjom, the first Indian woman climber to scale Mt Everest in 2021.
The 27-year-old from Lubrang village in Dirang tehsil of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh is elated with joy on becoming the first Indian woman to scale the peak in 2021.
Overcoming Delays and Challenges
The pandemic could only delay, not dissuade Tashi Yangjom. The 27-year-old saw five years of practice bear fruit as she scaled Mt Everest, becoming the first Indian woman to climb the peak in 2021. She scaled the famed peak by 6am on May 11, completing the mission she had started on April 4.
Accolades poured in for the climber from Lubrang village. Among those who congratulated her were Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Journey and Inspiration
Ever since Yangjom joined the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) located in Dirang in 2016, where she’s now an instructor, she aspired to climb the peak. The target, set for last year, was delayed by the pandemic.
“Main bohot khush hun. I always wanted to wave the Indian flag at the top and I’m very thankful for the support and financial aid I received,” says Yangjom.
Recalling her journey, she credits her persistent training and motivation from other trainers that kept pushing her.
“Before joining, I didn’t know much about adventure earlier. I got the inspiration from instructors, and I understood the guidelines better. Main ek bohot chote pahadi area se hun, so not many people know about adventure or mountaineering here,” says Yangjom who is from the Brokpa, a yak herding tribe.
Family Support and Future Goals
She also adds, “I want to set an example and make path for young ones to get started and inspire them.”
The love and appreciation received from her family after achieving this victory is beyond belief to her as Yangjom states that her parents were apprehensive of letting her choose mountaineering as a profession earlier.
Yangjom is now aiming to create more records such as climbing Mt Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world and participating in Seven Summits.
Final Thoughts
Tashi Yangjom’s achievement as the first Indian woman to scale Mt Everest in 2021 is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Her story continues to inspire young adventurers, particularly from remote areas, to pursue their dreams in mountaineering.