For Rifiness Warjri, the road from a tea stall in Shillong to the summit of Mount Everest was never a straight ascent. It was steep uncertain and strewn with sacrifices, yet she climbed quite literally to greatness.
The 20-year-old from Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills recently became the youngest person from the state to conquer the world’s tallest peak. And while her feat has earned her national applause and ministerial honours, Rifiness has her sights set higher still on the Seven Summits challenge which involves scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents.
Born in Nongthymmai and raised in Laitkor on the outskirts of Shillong, Rifiness comes from a modest background. Her mother runs a roadside tea and noodle stall. Her father sells poultry. She and her elder sister Noury still help out at the stall wiping tables and chatting with customers even after her recent return from the Himalayas.
“It’s my home. My roots keep me grounded… the mountains teach us humility. When I stood atop Everest, I realised how small and insignificant we are. That was one lesson I brought back and I am sharing with everyone” she told.
Her climb was not just a test of physical endurance but also a powerful assertion of willpower from a young woman navigating financial constraints, limited sports infrastructure, and a lack of institutional support. In a state that does not have a strong mountaineering tradition, she trained intensely and applied for scarce sponsorships.
“I want to show young people, especially girls, that we can dream big and make it happen even if we start small” she said. Her message to those from disadvantaged communities was clear: “Your background should never limit your ambition. Believe in yourself and keep going.”
Her father, Shlurbor Kharmyndai, although reserved, voiced his pride. “It’s a proud moment for us. I wish that she secures a government job as soon as possible so that she can support the family as well but I also do not want her to stop dreaming. She is free to fly big,” he said.
Also read: Sherpa Kami Rita scales Mount Everest for the 31st time
Her sister Noury spoke with emotion. “God has been kind to our family. Seeing my sister reach the top of the world is like a dream come true. She worked so hard and deserves all this love and respect,” she said as she handed tea to a regular customer.
Evenings in their home are filled with laughter and the gentle strumming of ukuleles. Rifiness and her sister sing softly, their voices carrying stories of struggle, hope, and perseverance.
The Warjri family has received visitors and accolades. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma felicitated Rifiness, praising her resilience and awarding her a cash prize. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called her “a shining example of India’s resilient young generation”. The Department of Mineral Resources honoured her with a ceremony after she handed over a rock brought back from Everest.
But for all the ceremony, Rifiness remains focused on her goals. Her Everest ascent was only the beginning. Next on her list: Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Aconcagua in South America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania and Mount Elbrus in Europe.
Each peak presents a unique challenge, not just in terrain but also in fundraising logistics and weather.
Before that, she hopes to resume her BSc studies, which were paused due to expedition preparations. “I hope someday I will summit all these peaks, but right now I want to complete my BSc, which was stalled due to the training and travelling last year” she said.
For Meghalaya which has rarely found itself on the global mountaineering map, Rifiness Warjri is more than just an athlete; she is a quiet force of inspiration reminding the world that greatness can rise from the most unassuming corners.
Follow us
