NCC cadet Rifiness Warjri, at just 20 years old, has etched her name in history as the youngest and third woman from Meghalaya to conquer Mount Everest. She successfully reached the summit of the world’s tallest peak, which stands at over 8,848 meters, on May 18. Upon her arrival at Umroi Airport on Saturday, she was met with a warm welcome from her family and members of the 61 Meghalaya Girls’ Battalion NCC.
Rifiness, a Bachelor of Science student in Botany at St. Anthony’s College, is the third child of Shlurbor Kharmyndai and Diamondsea Warjri. Notably, she was the sole cadet from Northeast India to be included in the 38-member Mount Everest expedition team, having previously climbed Mount Abi Gamin in Uttarakhand, reaching 7,355 meters in August 2024.
Before Rifiness, three other climbers from Meghalaya had successfully reached Everest’s summit. The first was photographer Gary Jarman Lamare in 2012, followed by Meghalaya Police constable Wansuk Myrthong in 2013 and former NCC cadet Dolyne Kharbhih in 2016. Expressing her joy, Rifiness said, “Taking the Indian flag to the top of the world was the happiest moment. I am going to cherish this moment forever.” She also expressed gratitude to God for her safe return.
Reflecting on her journey, Rifiness detailed a rigorous selection process that began at the state level, followed by selections in Guwahati and finally in Delhi. Her training included time at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling, culminating in a demanding winter training at Siachen, known as the world’s highest battlefield. Approximately 1.7 million cadets nationwide participated in the selection, making the final cut of ten-five boys and five girls-a considerable achievement.
Preparations for the ascent started in March, including treks throughout Kathmandu and Nathula Pass. During her expedition, Rifiness faced several challenges, including navigating over four human bodies. The climb typically progresses from the base camp to several higher camps, with camp four, positioned at 8,000 meters, referred to as the “death zone.” “We had to use oxygen masks to breathe while climbing. I saw many mountaineers struggling with breathing,” she recounted.
Climbing from camp four to the summit began around 7 to 7:30 PM on May 17, with Rifiness reaching the peak early the next morning at 4 AM. The support of her parents was pivotal in her pursuit of this goal, and she expressed deep gratitude for their sacrifices.
“I would also attribute my success to the NCC for grooming and polishing me. I want to thank the NCC for giving me the opportunity to climb Everest,” stated Rifiness, who is also a mixed martial arts athlete. Her interest in mountaineering sparked during her school days in NCC at Auxilium Convent School, inspired by the tales of Dolyne Kharbhih, who had completed her own Everest ascent in 2016. Through this interaction, Rifiness developed a passion for adventure sports that ultimately led her to this historic achievement.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/06/23/on-top-of-the-world-rifiness-summits-everest-makes-history/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-06-23 04:10:00
