ShailaPutri
Shakthis
Who Shaped our Society
#1
Bachendri Pal
The mountains
were majestic and silent. They have stood there for eons and watched humans try
their luck at conquering them. With some they have been gentle and kind. With
some they have been harsh and punishing. But the sheer presence of the
mountains was an aspiration for every person. While the entire Himalaya range
is beautiful and challenging, the tallest of them Mount Everest is every mountaineers
dream.
From Bharat it
was mostly the brave men who made the feat. All this changed in 1984 when
Bachendri Pal summitted at Mount Everest to be the first Indian woman to climb
Mount Everest. Born in a small village in Uttarakand, Bachendri Pal has said in
many interviews that mountaineering taught her many life skills.
The
journey
Aspiring to do
something in a male dominated sphere was not easy. She has spoken about her
struggles in many interviews.
She has had set
backs, but never gave up.
Her mantra for
success “Focus”.
She climbed Everest with only
three years of training in professional mountaineering. She did not want to let
go of the opportunity.
The moment
This is what Bachendri Pal has said
about the moment when she summitted (Interview to Garhwal post).
“I’ve no words to express the
feeling. I was so excited, thrilled, and full of positivity. It was risky, but
the biggest risk is not taking any risk. The expedition had its bitter-sweet
memories. It made me believe whatever you do or achieve in life, you do with
the support of others. Others helped you in a small or big way; that is why you
have achieved. Never cease to display gratitude. Simultaneously, bear a blazing
fighting spirit and a relentless attitude to not give up despite all
hardships.”
Bachendri Pal was awarded the Padma
Bhushan for her incredible feat.
On the first day of Navarathri, we
celebrate the Navadurga Shailaputri. Shailaputri means the daughter of the mountains.
Who better than BachendriPal can be
the Shailaputri!!
