Kaamya Karthikeyan: The 17-Year-Old Making Mountaineering History
30 DEC 2024
Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old student from Mumbai, has etched her name in global mountaineering history by becoming the youngest girl to scale the highest peaks on all seven continents. Her latest triumph was summiting Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s tallest peak at 16,050 feet, a feat that underscores her extraordinary perseverance and skill.
The Journey to Vinson Massif
Conquering Vinson Massif required months of rigorous preparation. The peak, located in one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth, tested Kaamya’s resilience in temperatures plunging to -40℃ and winds reaching unrelenting speeds. Reflecting on the experience, Kaamya shared, “Summiting Mt. Vinson Massif is the culmination of a dream I’ve been chasing for years. It represents the end of a journey across the seven continents, a pursuit that has shaped me in ways I never imagined.”
Her expedition was supported by Bisleri Vedica, which she credits for reinforcing her confidence. “Their support was a reminder of the strength and purity needed to face challenges like this,” she said, adding that her mission, titled SAHAS, aims to inspire young Indians to dream big and push beyond their limits.
Who is Kaamya Karthikeyan?
A student at Navy Children School, Kaamya is no stranger to breaking records. In May 2024, she became the youngest Indian to summit Mt. Everest from the Nepal side at just 16 years old, earning her the title of India’s youngest climber and the second youngest globally to achieve this feat. Her earlier achievements include summiting the highest peaks on six continents, a record that highlighted her determination and talent even before her Antarctica triumph.
Kaamya’s mountaineering accomplishments have garnered widespread recognition. In 2021, she was honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar, India’s highest award for young achievers. Her achievements were also praised by the Prime Minister during his Mann Ki Baat address, making her a role model for young adventurers across the country.
Kaamya’s achievements are deeply rooted in her upbringing. The daughter of Commander S. Karthikeyan of the Indian Navy and Lavanya Karthikeyan, an early childhood educator, she grew up with a strong sense of discipline and curiosity. Her family’s unwavering support has been central to her success, fostering a mindset that has carried her through extreme challenges.
Kaamya hopes her journey will inspire a generation of young Indians to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting. “I want young people to believe in their ability to achieve the extraordinary,” she says, “to push boundaries and always aim for higher ground.”
