Saturday Story from Siva (54): Malavath Poorna -The 13-year old girl who defied the odds and climbed the Mt. Everest

Last year around the same time, a new champion came into the limelight. She did the unimaginable. A 13-year old girl Ms Malavath Poorna climbed world's tallest mountain 'The Mt Everest' and became the youngest girl ever to do so. How could she venture on such an astounding feat? How could she make it to the summit at such a tender age? How could she brave the most violent and dangerous conditions that prevail on the way to the peak? Let us take a look at her story that is not only awesome but also very inspiring....

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Malavath Poorna - The 13-year old girl who defied the odds and climbed the Mt. Everest

Poorna hails from a very poor family living in a small village -Pakala of Nizamabad district in the state of Telangana. Her parents are agricultural workers earning a measly income of Rs 3000 - Rs 4000 per month. They find it even difficult even to make their both ends meet. There were times when the family went to bed hungry. She studies at a government social welfare school, where both education and boarding are provided free of cost. But, she has a dream to fulfill.

Poorna's dream has always been to study well at school and become an IPS (Police) Officer, but never to climb the Mt Everest. It just happened to her as if she was destined to do it. She casually participated in a rock-climbing contest conducted by her school. The school found her to be a good rock climber and shortlisted her for further training. That boosted her confidence. From then on, she never looked back. Thereafter, she took it as a challenge with the inspiration provided to her by her mentor Mr Praveen Kumar, an IPS Officer. 

As she spent time at training, she became mentally so tough that she wanted to prove a point that a tribal girl could also achieve something remarkable. She completed the required mountaineering training in just 8 months time which generally takes about 2 years for people to complete. She endured the ordeals with a smile on her face. She did not give up even though she came across on her way up close to the summit the skeletons of dead bodies of the people who earlier tried and failed. She remained brave and courageous. She made it to the summit. She created history. She became a role model and a source of inspiration to a lot of girls in India. She proved that anything and everything is possible, if pursued with determination.

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What a brave girl Poorna is! She deserves all the praise and glory. She needs encouragement. I am sure, with the kind of attitude she possesses, it is certain that she will fulfill her dream of becoming an IPS Officer. Let us wish her all the best. Let us also thank her for providing inspiration to a lot of children, especially girls to believe in themselves, to dream big, and to hope that they too can make their dreams come true.

To your success,
With love,
Siva