India's Fastest Mountaineer: Reena Bhatti Conquers Everest and 22 Other Peaks

The daughter of a tractor mechanic from the small village of Balak in Haryana's Hisar district, Reena Bhatti has written her name in the history of mountaineering. Despite her humble origins, Reena has accomplished what many cannot even dream of. By hoisting the Indian flag on Mount Everest and Lhotse in just 20.5 hours, she has become India's fastest female mountaineer. However, despite these remarkable achievements, she has not yet received the recognition and support from the state government that she deserves.

Known to many as "Himputri" (Daughter of the Himalayas), Reena has conquered more than 20 peaks in the last five years, many of which were first-time achievements for Indian women. Her name is recorded in the Oxford Book of World Records. On August 15, 2022, as part of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, she became the first Indian woman to summit both peaks of Mount Elbrus within just 24 hours. She has also planted the Indian flag on technically challenging peaks such as Kyrgyzstan's Snow Leopard Peak (Peak Lenin), Mount Kang Yatse, Mount Dzo Jongo, and Nepal's technically challenging Mount Ama Dablam – all in record time.

On Thursday, Reena Bhatti wrote letters and tweeted to the Chief Minister, Sports Minister, and others, appealing for a Grade A government job and financial assistance. Sharing her story, Reena said, "Girls don't just dream, they also have the courage to fulfill them. I have consistently set several national records and proudly elevated India's name. In 2024, I created a new national record by conquering Mount Everest (the world's highest peak) and Mount Lhotse (the fourth highest peak) together in just 20.5 hours, becoming India's fastest female mountaineer." 

As part of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign on August 15, 2022, she conquered Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus (West - 5642 meters, East - 5621 meters), from both directions within 24 hours and hoisted the Indian flag. With this, she became the first Indian woman to conquer Snow Leopard Peak - Peak Lenin (7134 meters) in Kyrgyzstan. She further stated, "I became the first woman from Haryana state to conquer Mount Kang Yatse (6270 meters) and Mount Dzo Jongo (West) (6240 meters) in 70 hours and hoisted the tricolor on both peaks. Additionally, I climbed the world's most technical peak, Mount Ama Dablam (6812 meters), located in Nepal, in just 5 days."

She also participated in the world's longest relay race called "Depression Against Running" and registered her name in the Oxford World Record for completing 10,000 push-ups. Appealing to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Reena Bhatti, who holds a Master's degree in Computer Science, said: "I faced numerous difficulties while conquering Mount Everest. In 2023, I started my first Mount Everest mission but had to return just 50 meters before the summit due to technical and weather issues. This incident was like a nightmare for me. But with the support of society and family, I regained courage. In May 2024, I created a new national record by climbing Everest and Lhotse continuously in 20.5 hours. Additionally, I have conquered more than 20 peaks so far, which is a unique national record for any girl."

She stated, "My humble appeal to the government is to provide me with a Grade A government job and financial assistance considering my achievements. I have proudly elevated the name of the state and country. Just as you are making progressive decisions for the benefit of daughters, I believe you will not ignore my achievements as well." Reena said, "Climbing Everest taught me that dreams look at courage, not gender. If intentions are strong, any dream, even climbing Everest, can come true. Passion is higher than mountains, and girls have proven this. Our heights have no limits – what we resolve to do, we achieve. Destinations are determined by courage, not gender. I have hoisted the tricolor on the world's highest peak, overcoming various economic, physical, mental, social, and natural barriers."

"Looking at my records, I appeal to the government for support so that other daughters of the state also receive the message that if a girl resolves to move forward, the government stands with her. In the past, many mountaineers have been given jobs and encouragement by the government, which has boosted their morale. I also want recognition and support for my struggles," she added.