Meghalaya's Rifiness Warjri: From Tea Stall to Mount Everest
A Journey of Determination and Dreams
Shillong, July 16: Rifiness Warjri, a 20-year-old mountaineer from Meghalaya, has transitioned from serving tea and noodles at a roadside stall to achieving her dream of climbing the highest peaks across all seven continents.
Recently, she made history by becoming the youngest individual from her state to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Despite this remarkable achievement, Rifiness remains connected to her humble roots.
In a recent interview, she expressed her aspirations to conquer the tallest mountains globally, showcasing not just her physical strength but also her humility and warmth.
With her sights set on the prestigious seven summits challenge, Rifiness hopes to motivate other women from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
Originally from Nongthymmai and currently living in the Laitkor area of East Khasi Hills, Rifiness hails from a hardworking family. Her mother operates a small tea stall, while her father sells chicken to support their household.
Despite gaining national and international acclaim, she often assists at the family stall, serving tea and engaging with customers, just as she has always done.
"This is my home. My roots keep me grounded… the mountains teach us humility. Standing atop Everest made me realize our smallness in the grand scheme of things. That’s a lesson I cherish and share with others," she remarked.
Her father, Shlurbor Kharmyndai, though reserved, expressed immense pride in her accomplishments. "This is a proud moment for us. I hope she secures a government job soon to support the family, but I also want her to keep dreaming big," he stated.
Rifiness's elder sister, Noury, who helps manage the family stall, shared her joy, saying, "God has been kind to us. Seeing my sister reach such heights feels like a dream. She has worked hard and deserves all the recognition."
The Warjri family shares a close-knit bond, often gathering for simple meals and discussing their day. Their evenings are filled with laughter and music, with Rifiness and her sister playing ukuleles and singing together.
Rifiness's journey to Everest was fraught with challenges. Despite Meghalaya's stunning landscapes, it lacks proper mountaineering infrastructure and support for adventure sports. Funding and sponsorships are scarce, particularly for athletes, and mountaineering is not widely pursued in the state. Nevertheless, with unwavering determination and the emotional backing of her family, she overcame numerous hurdles.
"I want to inspire young people, especially girls, to dream big and achieve their goals, no matter how small their beginnings may be," she emphasized.
To children from disadvantaged backgrounds, she advised, "Your origins should never limit your aspirations. Have faith in yourself and keep pushing forward."
Her remarkable climb has garnered recognition nationwide. Meghalaya's Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, honored her with cash rewards, acknowledging her journey's impact on the youth of the state.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised her as a beacon of resilience for India's youth. The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) also recognized her achievements after she symbolically presented a piece of rock from Everest, linking her success to her homeland.
Beyond the accolades, Rifiness's ambitions are just beginning. She aims to continue her mountaineering journey, aspiring to conquer the seven summits, including Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Vinson Massif in Antarctica.
Each ascent will present unique challenges, but Rifiness is well-prepared for adversity. "I hope to summit all these peaks one day, but for now, I want to finish my BSc, which I had to pause due to my training and travels last year," she concluded.