Rifiness Warjri, a 20-year-old from Meghalaya, has become the youngest person from the state to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Her achievement is part of a wider personal goal to climb the highest peaks on each continent.
Originally from Nongthymmai and now residing in Laitkor on the outskirts of Shillong, Warjri comes from a working-class background. Her mother operates a roadside tea stall, while her father earns a living by selling poultry. Despite gaining recognition for her mountaineering efforts, Warjri continues to assist her family at the tea stall when she is home.
Following her return, Warjri said the experience had reinforced her aim to complete the Seven Summits challenge. She hopes to climb Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Vinson Massif in Antarctica in the coming years. She said the mountains had taught her humility and added that she hoped to encourage more young people, particularly girls, to pursue ambitious goals regardless of their circumstances.
She acknowledged that the journey has not been easy, citing a lack of infrastructure for mountaineering and limited access to sponsorship in Meghalaya. Warjri credited her determination and her family’s support as key factors in helping her reach this stage.
Her family expressed pride in her success. Her father, Shlurbor Kharmyndai, said he hoped she would find stable employment but supported her aspirations. Her sister, Noury, who helps manage the tea stall, described Warjri’s efforts as the result of persistent hard work.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma presented Rifiness Warjri with a cash award and described her as an example for the youth of the state. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also commended her, referring to her as a symbol of the determination shown by India’s younger generation.
The Department of Mineral Resources recognised Warjri’s achievement with a special honour after she handed over a rock she had carried back from Everest. The symbolic gesture was acknowledged during a felicitation event.
Warjri now plans to return to her BSc degree programme, which had been put on hold due to her training and travel schedules. While mountaineering remains her long-term goal, she stated that finishing her education is her immediate focus.
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