From the serene village of Kynton U Mon in Lad Nongkrem, surrounded by the scenic hills of Meghalaya, a young cadet is ready to take on one of the world’s greatest challenges. Cadet Rifiness Warjri, a 19-year-old student from St. Anthony’s College and a proud member of the 61 Meghalaya Girls Battalion NCC, has been chosen as the sole representative from the North Eastern states to join the prestigious NCC Mount Everest Expedition 2025. Warjri’s selection is a testament to her perseverance and highlights the untapped potential of the youth in India’s North East.
Nicknamed Glory by her family, Warjri is poised to live up to that name. Her recent successful ascent of Mount Abi Gamin, a 7,355-meter peak in Uttarakhand, showcased her mountaineering abilities and paved the way for this remarkable opportunity. Third among five siblings, Warjri credits her father, a state government employee, as a source of unwavering support throughout her journey.
Warjri’s rise from the quiet village of Kynton U Mon, known for its proximity to Smit, a village famous for the traditional Nongkrem dance, has brought pride to her community. The traditions and beauty of Nongkrem will now share the spotlight with Warjri’s trailblazing achievements. When asked if Smit, usually known for its cultural festivals, would gain fame through her success, she coyly replied, “Yes, I think so.”
For the people of the North East, Warjri’s accomplishments are more than personal victories; they serve as a beacon of hope. In a region where opportunity is often hindered by geographic challenges, her achievement shines brightly, encouraging others to chase their dreams, no matter how distant.
Warjri’s passion for mountaineering began with her involvement in the NCC during her school days. It was through the NCC that her interest in the sport blossomed, eventually leading to her participation in various NCC activities. Alongside her mountaineering ambitions, Warjri is also an accomplished Wushu martial artist and kickboxer, having represented her state in competitive events. These experiences have helped her develop both physically and mentally, culminating in her successful climb of Mount Abi Gamin.
Now, as she prepares to scale the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest (8849 meters), also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, Warjri is brimming with confidence. “I am confident after scaling Mount Abi Gamin, which took our team over a week to complete, from August 17 to 25,” she recalls. Warjri credits the rigorous training at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi for preparing her to tackle such feats.
Warjri’s early experiences were limited to climbing the scenic hills of Meghalaya, such as Laitlum, but her rapid rise in mountaineering has been lauded by senior army officers overseeing the NCC in Shillong. Her swift progress and determination have earned her their admiration as she now sets her sights on Everest.
As Warjri gears up for the immense challenge, she will undergo extensive physical conditioning, mental endurance training, and high-altitude preparation. Her next step begins at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling on October 31, where she will receive further training to prepare for Everest.
Climbing Mount Everest has long been regarded as the ultimate test of human endurance and spirit. Beyond its towering physical presence, Everest symbolizes a quest to conquer the most formidable of natural challenges. The mountain’s treacherous weather, unpredictable terrain, and the dangers of the death zone, where oxygen levels plummet, make it a daunting journey. Yet, those who reach the summit are hailed for their indomitable will to overcome the impossible.
Warjri will be joining an esteemed group of climbers from North East India who have etched their names in the annals of Everest’s history. Notable figures include Meghalaya’s Wansuk Myrthong, an armed police constable who scaled the peak in 2013, Dolyne Kharbhih, a former NCC cadet from Ri Bhoi district who summited in 2016, and Gary Jarman Lamare, who conquered Everest in 2012.
A successful climb will also place Warjri among other luminaries from the region, such as Anshu Jamsenpa from Arunachal Pradesh, the first woman to summit Everest twice within five days in 2017. Anshu’s record-breaking achievement inspired not only India but also the world. Tapi Mra, another mountaineer from Arunachal Pradesh, made history as the first person from the state to reach the summit in 2009.
Warjri’s participation in the NCC Mount Everest Expedition 2025 is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the opportunities offered by the NCC to its cadets. Designed to showcase their skills and resilience, the expedition will involve months of intensive preparation. The NCC Directorate North Eastern Region proudly celebrated Warjri’s achievement on social media, stating, “Congratulations to Cadet Rifiness Warjri from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, 61 Meghalaya Girls Bn (Shillong Group), on being selected for the Mt. Everest expedition! Your unwavering dedication and strength make us all proud.”
As she embarks on this monumental journey, Warjri’s story will add a new chapter to the North East’s rich mountaineering legacy. Her courage and determination are bound to inspire future generations, proving that with dedication and support, even the world’s highest peaks are within reach.
The NCC Directorate North Eastern Region took to Twitter (X) to celebrate Warjri’s remarkable achievement. In a message from the Directorate’s official handle, they wrote: “Congratulations to Cadet Rifiness Warjri from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, 61 Meghalaya Girls Bn (Shillong Group), on being selected for the Mt. Everest expedition! Your unwavering dedication and strength make us all proud.”
The message also quoted the national poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, saying, “मानव जब जोर लगाता है, पत्थर पानी बन जाता है।” (When humans apply their full effort, even stones turn to water), wishing Warjri well with the words: “May your determination lead you to the summit and beyond! Wishing you a successful and inspiring journey ahead.”
“Congratulations to Cadet Rifiness Warjri from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, 61 Meghalaya Girls Bn (Shillong Group), on being selected for the Mt. Everest expedition! Your unwavering dedication and strength make us all proud.
As National Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar beautifully… pic.twitter.com/C68M16NM6K
— NCC Directorate North Eastern Region (@nccner) October 8, 2024
