JUNE 1- India is fast catching up with the developed countries and its rise is being acknowledged at the global platform. But when it comes to the womenfolk, the facade of social progress just blows away.
In the larger part of the country, the age-old image of women being docile and dependant on men still rules the broader imagination. But Premlata Agarwal is among the trailblazers who constantly stand up to challenge the notion and make their existence felt on the large canvas.
Being a housewife and mother of two girls was hardly a deterrent for Premlata to conquer some of the highest peaks in the world. And that too at the age of 50!
In the process, she became the first Indian woman to conquer the top peaks of the seven continents, popularly called the ‘Seven Summits’.
“I was married at a young age and then I got busy with the family. It was only when I turned 35 that I got interested in mountaineering,” said Premlata, who is based in Jamshedpur.
“I met Bachendri Pal as I wanted my daughters to be into adventure sports. But meeting with the legendary mountaineer changed my perception and I also took to the adventure sports. Then in 2000, I completed basic mountaineering course. My first big achievement was climbing Mt. Everest in 2011, after my elder daughter got married,” she said.
In the subsequent years, she conquered other peaks of different continents. The dusky lady completed her journey on May 23, this year, when she climbed the North America’s highest peak Mount McKinley.
“Last year also I tried to conquer McKinley but due to inclement weather I could not complete the adventure,” says Premlata, who hails from Sukhiapokhri, a small village in Darjeeling.
“After I climbed the Mt. Everest I had the aim to conquer the top peaks of all the continents. I am so very happy that I finally did it.”
Now that she has achieved her target, Premlata has a different mission. “I conduct various adventure tours in Jamshedpur and nearby places. Many people think they are weak. I think it’s all in the mind. I believe that if I can do something like this, everyone can. I want to change the mindset of people who think they are weak,” said Premlata, who was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2013.
Obviously, there would be hardships but you need to keep trying. When I was training to climb Mount McKinley, I went to Darjeeling. My regular schedule included four hours of gym, yoga and other exercises.
“Apart from that I would fill my bag with 15 kg salt in addition to the normal accessories and climb up and down short distances. It’s difficult but not impossible. And one can do that being a housewife also,” Premlata says with a smile on her face.
INDIA TODAY
