Why in News?

Rupamoni Gorh, a young mountaineer from Assam, has created history by becoming the first woman from Assam to successfully scale Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain peak.

Key Highlights

• Rupamoni Gorh reached the summit of Mount Everest (8,848.86 metres) on 21 May 2026.
• She achieved the feat as part of an 11-member all-women expedition team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force.
• The expedition was organised under the “Nari Shakti Vandan” initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The team was led by Deputy Commandant Bhanita Timungpi, a native of Assam and an experienced mountaineer.

About Rupamoni Gorh

• She hails from Lilabari in Lakhimpur district, Assam.
• Born into a farmer’s family, she overcame limited resources through determination and hard work.
• Her father, Joysing Gorh, is a farmer, while her mother, Kamalawati, serves as an Anganwadi assistant.
• A graduate in Arts, she joined the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force in 2020 and continued pursuing her passion for mountaineering.

About Mount Everest

• Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
• Its officially recognised height is 8,848.86 metres.
• It is known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet.

Why is this Achievement Important?

• It is a landmark moment for Assam and Northeast India, highlighting the growing participation of women in adventure sports.
• Her achievement serves as an inspiration for young people, especially girls, to pursue excellence in challenging fields.
• It reflects the increasing role of women in leadership, endurance sports, and national service.

Exam Facts

• Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force was established in 1962 and functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It is responsible for guarding India’s border with Tibet and promoting high-altitude mountaineering activities.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Q. Mount Everest is situated on the border between two countries?

(a) India and Nepal
(b) Nepal and China
(c) Bhutan and China
(d) India and China

Answer: (b) Nepal and China

One-Line Wrap

Rupamoni Gorh’s successful ascent of Mount Everest marks a historic achievement for Assam and stands as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment, courage and perseverance.

Source:

Rupamoni Gorh becomes first woman from Assam to scale Mount Everest – The Hindu