Chapter 8: Reach for the Top, Part I: Santosh Yadav
- Who is Santosh Yadav?
Santosh Yadav is the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest twice, a symbol of courage and determination. - Where did Santosh Yadav grow up?
She was born in a small village in Haryana, in a traditional conservative society. - What was Santosh’s attitude towards social norms?
She was rebellious and progressive, challenging customs like wearing traditional clothes and marrying early. - What did Santosh do differently in childhood?
She climbed trees, played with boys, and wore shorts instead of traditional clothes—breaking stereotypes. - What was her parents’ reaction to her decisions?
They resisted initially, but she stood firm in her decisions, like studying in Delhi against their wishes. - What inspired her to take mountaineering?
She saw people climbing the Aravalli Hills and felt inspired to pursue mountaineering at Uttarkashi’s Nehru Institute. - How did she prove her talent in mountaineering?
She excelled in training, impressed her seniors, and joined an expedition to Everest. - When did she climb Mount Everest?
In 1992, she became the youngest woman to scale Everest at the age of 20. - What made her second Everest climb special?
She did it again in 1993, making her the first woman to climb Everest twice. - How did she help fellow climbers?
She saved a climber’s life by sharing oxygen and was known for team spirit and bravery. - What award did Santosh Yadav receive?
She was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards. - What values define Santosh Yadav?
Determination, courage, independence, and social awareness are the key traits of her personality. - What does her story teach us?
That gender, tradition, or background cannot limit success if one has passion and perseverance. - What did Santosh do to reduce environmental damage?
She collected garbage from the Himalayas, showing concern for cleanliness and conservation. - What message does her life convey to students?
Follow your dreams with discipline and courage—challenges are part of the path to greatness.