Recited Hanuman Chalisa for strength: CISF's first personnel to scale Everest
India, May 29 -- 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.
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.
"No amount of training can fully prepare anyone for it. Jab aap itni unchai pe jate ho, tab har kadam pe lagta hai ki 'Kahin agla kadam mera last toh nahin'," she tells us, noting that summit doesn't just test physical endurance but breaks and rebuilds human spirit: "During the journey, I saw casualties - climbers who lost their lives during the expedition."
In moments of self doubt, her spirituality lifted her spirits. She shares, "Maine kam se kam 2,000 baar Hanuman Chalisa padhi hogi during the expedition. That gave me the strength to just keep going."
In 2015, she became the first woman in CISF to complete the gruelling QRT (Quick Reaction Team) course. She recalls, "My first expedition was Elbrus, which was a failure on the first attempt... I've never stopped since and have accomplished five peaks with now two left."
Now, with Everest behind her, Geeta's next goal is clear: conquer the final two peaks to complete the Seven Summits. But before she takes on the mission, she says, "It doesn't matter how unfathomable your dream is, if you trust yourself and have unbreakable faith, you will always achieve everything."...
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