Hyderabad’s teenager Vishwanath Karthikeki has become the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world, which fulfills the famous 7 summit challenge. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Hyderabad
Hyderabad’s teenager Vishwanath Karthikeki’s medal has become the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world, who fulfills the challenge of the veteran 7 summit – increases the highest peak on each continent, an achievement that is the most distinguished in global mountaineering.
The 16 -year -old final climb came on 27 May, when he expressed the Mount Everest (8,848 m) after the fierce climbing weeks. “Standing on the summit of Everest and fulfilling the 7 summit is a dream truth,” said Vishwanath Kartikeki. “This journey tested every part of me- physically, mentally and emotionally. I am grateful for the love and support received in this journey.”
His visit began in 2020 during the Kovid -19 epidemic, when his elder sister Vaishnavi prepared to track Rudugara. Then only 11, Vishwanath expressed interest in joining him. His family suspected. “We discouraged her,” her mother, Lakshmi remembered Padakanti, “but her sister insisted that we give her a chance. This first trek ended in failure, but something changed in it.”
From there, he bus climbed, enrolled in the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering and airing his passion in the snow, where he trained for a good five months. His first attempt in Mount Albrus in 2021 also failed, but failures only rigorned his resolve. Over the years, he moved to the summit to Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, and Kosciuszko, each climbing his last Everest push.
Mentarship played an important role. He trained the veteran of the Indian Army and under the Lieutenant Romil Barthwal and the famous climber. “Vishwanath’s achievement is not just a mountaineer milestone,” the mentors said. “This reflects their humility, discipline and mental strength. That is proof of what young people can achieve with the right attitude and support.”
His grandparents and grandfather, Dadkanti Rajendra Prasad, for pillars of his strength, have been transformational. “He was once a lazy child,” Lakshmi, laughs. “Never played with the children of the colony, dull in studies. Now, he is the most responsible person who I know. He manages his studies by scoring 92% in his first year.”
Nevertheless, it is not smooth. “When we went to the embassies for permissions, people used to ask if he was adopted or if I loved him to send him to campaigns,” Lakshmi is called. “But I did not bother it. He is doing what he loves, and I will support that support on any day.”
What comes next, Lakshmi says that she is going to increase her record only. “He is also interested in joining the Indian Army. Still taking a decision. But we are ready to support whatever road he takes” she is proud.
Published – May 27, 2025 08:53 PM IST
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