Malavath Poorna was born on June 10, 2000. Born into a family of agricultural laborers in a small village in Telangana India.
Poorna faced numerous challenges growing up, including poverty and limited access to resources.
Her father, encouraged her to pursue education beyond their village, which led her to join the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS). This institution provided her with a platform to explore new opportunities and develop her talents .
Where her talent was spotted by the secretary Dr. Repalle Shiva Praveen Kumar IPS. Poorna was selected for Operation Everest, a program to train young students to climb Mount Everest.
In preparation for climbing Mount Everest, Poorna trekked to the mountains of Ladakh and Darjeeling. On May 25, 2014, at 13 years and 11 months old, she became the youngest female to reach the summit. Poorna unfurled a 50-foot Indian flag and sang the national anthem at the top.
She expressed that the satisfaction from all her hard work, combined with the quietness and peace, filled her. “My head was held high when I raised India’s flag on the world’s highest peak,” she said.
After climbing Everest, Poorna went on to complete the Seven Summits challenge, which involves climbing the highest mountain on each continent.
A film titled “Poorna: Courage Has No Limit” directed by Rahul Bose was released in 2017, dramatizing her journey from a small village to the top of Everest.
Poorna’s achievements have inspired many young girls in India. After her Everest climb, the number of applications to her school TSWREIS increased from 8,700 to 60,000 in a year. She has been featured in Forbes India’s list of self-made women in 2020.
Poorna’s incredible journey wasn’t just about climbing mountains. It was about proving that girls from any background can achieve greatness.
Her determination to reach Everest’s peak at 13 was fueled by a powerful desire to challenge stereotypes and inspire others.
