SHILLONG: From serving tea and noodles at her mother’s roadside stall to scaling Mount Everest, 20-year-old Rifiness Warjri from Meghalaya is scripting a story of courage, resilience, and humility.
Recently becoming the youngest from the state to conquer the world’s highest peak, Rifiness’s journey is as inspiring as it is grounded. Despite the recognition and praise that followed her Everest ascent, she remains closely tied to her roots — often seen helping at the family stall, cleaning tables and chatting with customers like she always has.
Speaking to media, Rifiness said, “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 want to share with others.”
Her ambition doesn’t stop at Everest. Rifiness is now setting her sights on the “Seven Summits” — the tallest peaks on each continent — hoping to inspire others, especially young women from modest backgrounds, to dream big and aim high.
Originally from Nongthymmai and now living in Laitkor on the outskirts of Shillong, Rifiness hails from a humble family. Her mother runs a tea stall, and her father sells poultry to make ends meet.
Despite the family’s limited means, they are full of pride and love. Her father, Shlurbor Kharmyndai, usually reserved, beamed with emotion: “It’s a proud moment. I hope she gets a government job soon so she can support the family. But I also want her to keep dreaming. She is free to fly.”
Her elder sister, Noury, who helps run the tea stall, added with a smile, “God has been kind. Seeing my sister on top of the world feels like a dream. She’s worked so hard — she deserves all this love.”
Evenings in the Warjri household are warm and filled with music. After a day of work, the family sits down for simple meals, laughter, and the gentle strumming of ukuleles by the sisters — melodies echoing a life both simple and full of hope.
Climbing Everest wasn’t easy. Meghalaya lacks mountaineering facilities, and sports like this receive little attention or funding. Yet, Rifiness powered through — driven by determination, rigorous training, and unwavering family support.
“I want to show girls everywhere that you can start small and still achieve big things,” she said.
To children from underprivileged backgrounds, she shared a message: “Never let your background define your future. Believe in yourself and keep going.”
Her feat has not gone unnoticed. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma felicitated her and praised her as a beacon of inspiration for the state’s youth. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded her as a shining example of India’s indomitable spirit. The Department of Mineral Resources honoured her after she symbolically returned a rock from Everest — a gesture tying her triumph to the very land she represents.
Looking ahead, Rifiness dreams of completing the Seven Summits — including Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Vinson Massif in Antarctica — but for now, she’s also focused on completing her BSc degree, which was put on hold due to intense training and travel.
“I hope to finish my studies soon and continue climbing. There’s still so much more I want to do,” she said with quiet confidence.
Rifiness Warjri’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets grit — a story climbing steadily from a tea stall in Shillong to the summits of the world.
