Assam's First Woman Everest Climber Honored with Rs 10 Lakh Grant

Shillong, India Jul 27, 2026 ALN: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday felicitated Rupamoni Gorh, the first woman from Assam to scale Mount Everest, and ITBP Assistant Commandant Bhanita Timungpi at a ceremony held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur.

The State government presented financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to Rupamoni Gorh and Rs 2 lakh to Bhanita Timungpi in recognition of their achievements. This gesture not only acknowledges their individual accomplishments but also symbolizes the growing recognition of women's contributions in challenging fields such as mountaineering. The monetary support serves as a vital resource for furthering their endeavors and encouraging more women to pursue similar paths.

Congratulating Rupamoni, a native of Na-Gaon Pathar village in Lakhimpur district’s Boginadi area, the chief minister said her successful ascent of the world’s highest peak on May 21 as a member of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police’s All-Women Everest Expedition had brought immense pride to Assam and stood as an inspiring example of courage, discipline, and perseverance. The achievement is particularly notable in a region where women have historically had limited representation in adventure sports and extreme challenges. Rupamoni's success is not just a personal milestone but a beacon of hope for aspiring female climbers in the region.

The expedition was organized under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ Nari Shakti Vandan initiative, which aims to empower women and promote gender equality in various sectors, including sports. This initiative is a response to the longstanding gender disparities in fields traditionally dominated by men, including sports, science, and leadership roles. The 14-member team, including 11 women climbers, was led by Bhanita Timungpi of Assam, whose leadership and experience were crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the ascent. The initiative reflects a broader governmental push to encourage women's participation in areas traditionally dominated by men, providing them with platforms to showcase their skills and determination.

Praising Timungpi’s leadership, Sarma said she has scaled more than 30 Himalayan peaks, and her extensive mountaineering experience played a key role in the expedition’s success. Her achievements serve as a reminder of the potential within women to excel in high-stakes environments. He also noted that she has been honored by the President of India and has served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Africa, showcasing her multifaceted contributions not only to sports but also to peacekeeping efforts globally. Timungpi's journey exemplifies the intersection of adventure and service, highlighting the diverse capabilities of women in various fields.

To commemorate Rupamoni’s achievement, the chief minister announced that the one-kilometre road connecting her residence to Lilabari High School would be newly constructed and named Rupamoni Gorh Path. This initiative, proposed by Lakhimpur MLA Manab Deka, aims to inspire local youth by providing a tangible reminder of Rupamoni's accomplishment as they pursue their own dreams and aspirations. Naming infrastructure after local heroes is a powerful way to instill pride and motivate future generations to strive for excellence in their own pursuits.

Highlighting Assam’s mountaineering legacy, Sarma recalled the contributions of the Assam Mountaineering Association, founded in 1968 by Rohini Kumar Bhuyan and Atanu Prasad Barua. The association has played a pivotal role in promoting mountaineering in the region, fostering a culture of adventure and exploration among the youth. The establishment of such organizations has been crucial in providing training, resources, and support to aspiring climbers, enabling them to pursue their passion safely and effectively. He mentioned that Rohini Kumar Bhuyan and Khagendra Nath Bora became the first Assamese climbers to scale Bethartoli South in 1970, while Ajit Sarma and Bhagat Singh summited Mrigthuni Peak shortly afterwards, marking significant milestones in the state's climbing history.

Moreover, he paid tribute to Rohini Kumar Bhuyan, who later founded The Adventurers in 1974 and lost his life in a snowstorm while returning from Kedarnath Dome in 1979. His legacy continues to inspire climbers in Assam and beyond, as his contributions laid the groundwork for future generations of adventurers. The sacrifices made by pioneers like Bhuyan serve as a reminder of the risks involved in mountaineering and the importance of safety and preparedness in the sport.

The chief minister further noted that Tarun Saikia became the first Assamese to summit Mount Everest on May 19, 2013, followed by Manish Deka on May 25 that year. Nanda Dulal Das, Henry David Terang, Kharsing Terang, and Nava Kumar Phukan also successfully climbed Everest in 2015. These achievements highlight the growing prowess of Assamese climbers on the international stage, paving the way for future climbers and enhancing the state's reputation in the mountaineering community. The success of these climbers is indicative of the increasing interest and investment in adventure sports within the region, providing a platform for local talent to shine on a global scale.

He emphasized that Rupamoni’s achievement marked a historic milestone, as no Assamese woman had previously conquered the world’s highest peak. This breakthrough is not just a personal victory for Rupamoni but also a significant step forward for women in Assam and India, symbolizing the breaking of barriers and the potential for women to achieve greatness in all fields. The narrative surrounding women's achievements in sports is gradually shifting, with more recognition and support being directed towards female athletes, which is essential for fostering a more inclusive sporting environment.

Urging young people to take up adventure sports, Sarma said mountaineering offers promising career opportunities and assured government support for aspiring climbers. This encouragement is vital as it may inspire more individuals, especially women, to pursue careers in sports and adventure, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive sporting environment. The government’s commitment to supporting aspiring athletes is crucial in ensuring that they have access to the necessary resources and training to succeed. Referring to the ongoing Commonwealth Games, he also expressed pride that Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain had led the Indian contingent during the opening march past carrying the national flag, further underscoring the importance of representation and achievement in sports. Lovlina’s success serves as an additional source of inspiration for young athletes in Assam, showcasing the heights that can be achieved with dedication and hard work.

In conclusion, the recognition of Rupamoni Gorh and Bhanita Timungpi not only serves to honor their individual accomplishments but also highlights the larger narrative of women's empowerment in sports and adventure. As Assam continues to foster a culture of achievement and recognition, the hope is that more individuals will be inspired to follow in their footsteps, exploring the heights of not only mountains but also their potential in various fields. The celebration of these achievements contributes to a growing movement that seeks to empower women and challenge societal norms, paving the way for future generations to pursue their passions without limitations. The impact of such recognition extends beyond individual success, fostering a community that values diversity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.