Motherhood, pursuing dreams can co-exist: Mountaineer Bhawna Dehariya

 

Bhawna Dehariya is the only Indian to have record of completing Europe’s Mt Elbrus Summit of both peaks within 24 hours  Celebrating one year of scaling Europe’s Mount Elbrus in 2022 on Independence Day, Bhawna shared her experience of expedition and journey so far  Bhawna hails from a small town Tamia 

 

“My journey is a testament to the fact that dreams can be achieved through dedication and perseverance. Hailing from a small town Tamia in Chhindwara, it was not a cake walk to turn my childhood dream into a reality. It required lots of hard work, perseverance and passion,” says Madhya Pradesh-based mountaineer Bhawna Dehariya in an interview with ‘The Hitavada’. She became one of the first woman from the State to complete the summit. Bhawna has also scaled various other highest peaks of other continents. Celebrating one year of scaling Europe’s Mount Elbrus in 2022 on Independence Day, Bhawna shared about her experience of expedition and journey so far. Sharing about her experience of unfurling the national flag on highest peak of Europe’s Mount Elbrus, Bhawna says, “I become nostalgic, as we approach one-year mark since conquering Europe’s Mount Elbrus on August 15. The experience is a perfect blend of success, courage and sacrifice. Leaving behind my 15-month-old daughter was undoubtedly one of the toughest decisions I could ever make, but it illuminated the depth of my passion for mountaineering.

 

This journey signifies that motherhood and pursuing one’s dreams can co-exist. It is a reminder that while challenges may be steep, they are never insurmountable. To all the young mountaineers, cherish your dreams, persevere through challenges and let every step you take be an inspiration for others.” “The memory of Europe’s Mount Elbrus Expedition that lingers vividly is the moment I stood atop the summit of Mount Everest, feeling a rush of emotions.

 

It was a culmination of relentless dedication and power of pushing beyond limits. Nothing can be so proud and memorable moment than unfurling the national flag at the top on India’s Independence Day,” added Bhawna. Bhawna Dehariya is the only Indian to have record of completing Europe’s Mt Elbrus Summit of both peaks within 24 hours. Throwing light on her mountaineering dream, Bhawns says, “The insect of ‘Mount Everest’ bit me when I was in class seven and was reading a chapter on Bachendri Pal. Thereafter, I got into sports, took degree in Masters of Physical Education (M.P.Ed) and a post graduate Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Science. Also, I hold a ‘Judge Course: Sports Climbing’ certification from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and achieved an ‘A Grade’ in both basic and advance mountaineering course including ‘Basic Mountaineering Course’ from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi.

 

It took a lot of challenges, rejections, failures but I achieved it at the end.” “My next step involved conquering the remaining challenges on my Seven Summit Mission. Mount Denali in North America and Vinson Massif in Antarctica are the two peaks that await my ascent. These are not just mountains; they represent my determination, spirit and values I hold into me,” added Bhawna. TedX speaker Bhawna is currently working as a Sports and Culture Consultant in EY (Ernst & Young) for Technical Support Unit (TSU) for Department of Tribal Affairs, Madhya Pradesh Government. Along with Mount Everest, Bhawna has conquered various peaks across the world. These include Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kosciuzko in Australia, Mount Aconcagua in South America, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Manirang in Himachal, and Mt DKD 2nd in Garhwal. Notably, Bhawna is the first woman mountaineer from India to hold a record of completing the summit of both the peaks of the Mount Elbrus-North and East within 24 hours. PM Modi has also mentioned Bhawna’s accolades in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. She had also received ‘Devi Award’ from former CM Kamal Nath and various other accolades. “My message to young budding mountaineers is to recognise that every summit is earned through perseverance and preparation. Each step towards your goal is a step towards your dreams. I would say to the young and adventurous souls aspiring to conquer new heights, remember that challenges are the stepping stones to success.

 

Embrace your dreams with unwavering determination and with the right guidance, you can achieve the seemingly impossible. Let your passion for adventure fuel your journey and let your success inspire others to embark on their own extraordinary quests. Believe in yourself, embrace the journey and let the mountains teach you the art of resilience. Keep climbing, keep thriving!” concludes Bhawna.