The summit of happiness: Asha Kiran Rani

Koyya Asha Kiran Rani becomes the first woman to climb Everest from the divided Andhra Pradesh State. And this she achieves despite coming from impoverished background, and a remote village, Uyyalapeta in Nandigama Mandal, Srikakulam district.

Asha finished her Graduation in Physiotherapy in Visakhapatnam before setting her eyes on Mount Everest. The first step to achieve her dream was to apply to Youth Services Department, Srikakulam in 2017. She had to qualify in selections to be included in the State team to climb Everest.

And it turns out, she was one among the 40 people selected and was trained in jungle tracking, wall and rock climbing etc. She was again trained in mountaineering for 20 days in January this year at Darjeeling. She was one of the 20 people chosen to be sent to the JL Nehru Mountain Training Institute at Pehelgam, J&K state. It was a strenuous training in army and Para commanding. She trained under Arjun awardee, Paramesh Kumar in mountaineering.

April 20 marked the beginning of her mountaineering activity when she reached Lasa in China where Everest base camp is located. She participated in the trials of climbing the Everest till May 13. Meanwhile, she was waiting for climate approvals as it is usually very cold with temperatures dipping to -20 degrees Celsius. Finally, she started climbing the 8,848 meters height Mountain on May 13 and reached the peak in three days, on May 16.

It was a moment of pride for Asha. She realised her dream. On her coming back she shared her happiness with The Hans India, and her parents Srinivasa Rao and Mangamma who were delighted at her success.

“I want to be an IPS officer to serve the society better. And hence, I am interested in keeping physical fit and healthy,” she shared her plans.

By: Ch Lakshmana Rao