Guwahati (Assam): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday felicitated Rupamoni Gorh, the first woman from Assam to scale Mount Everest, and ITBP Assistant Commandant Bhanita Timungpi at a ceremony held at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur. The state government also announced financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for Rupamoni Gorh and ₹2 lakh for Bhanita Timungpi in recognition of their achievements.
Congratulating Rupamoni on her successful ascent of the world’s highest peak on May 21, Sarma described the feat as a proud moment for Assam and said it would inspire young people across the state to pursue excellence through determination, discipline and perseverance.
Rupamoni, a resident of Na-Gaon Pathar village in the Boginadi area of Lakhimpur district, was part of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) All-Women Everest Expedition, organised under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ Nari Shakti Vandan initiative.
The Chief Minister also praised expedition leader Bhanita Timungpi, noting that her experience of climbing more than 30 Himalayan peaks played a key role in the team’s successful mission. He further highlighted her distinguished service, including her deployment with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Africa and the honours she has received from the President of India.
To commemorate Rupamoni’s historic achievement, Sarma announced that the one-kilometre road connecting her residence to Lilabari High School would be newly constructed and named Rupamoni Gorh Path. The proposal was initiated by Lakhimpur MLA Manab Deka.
Recalling Assam’s rich mountaineering legacy, the Chief Minister paid tribute to pioneering climbers and organisations that laid the foundation for adventure sports in the state. He noted that while several Assamese mountaineers have successfully scaled Mount Everest over the years, Rupamoni’s achievement marks the first time a woman from Assam has reached the summit.
Sarma also encouraged the youth to take up mountaineering and other adventure sports, stating that the field offers both opportunities for personal achievement and professional careers. He assured aspiring climbers of continued government support to promote adventure sports in Assam.
Referring to the ongoing Commonwealth Games, the Chief Minister also congratulated Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain for leading the Indian contingent as the national flag bearer during the opening ceremony.
