Recited Hanuman Chalisa for strength: CISF's first personnel to scale Everest

The pride of achieving an unprecedented feat is often beyond words. And for Geeta Samota, who has etched her name in history, a smile says it all. The 35-year-old Sub-Inspector recently became the first Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel to scale Mount Everest in the 56 years since the force was established. Now back on the plains, Geeta opened up about her achievement during a visit to the Capital.

- Karan Sethi

Her daunting journey began on May 15, marked by avalanches, bone-numbing fatigue, emotional breakdowns and constant threat of danger. But when it culminated in the early hours of May 19, the moment spelt sheer triumph. "I unfurled the Tiranga... uss ek moment mein jitni bhi thakaan thi, whatever struggles I had gone through, they felt worth it," says the Rajasthan native, currently posted in Udaipur.