One To One With The First Manipuri Woman To Scale Mount Everest
Bidyapati sets eyes on 'peakier' goals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 09 2013: Becoming the first woman from Manipur to have successfully scaled Mt Everest has not vitiated her appetite for more heights as Ningthoujam Bidyapati Devi said she wants to conquer Mount Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and, if possible, Mt K-2, which is located on the Pakistan side of the Himalayas.

brought up in an economically unsound family has probably instilled steely determination that made the 30-year old defy harsh elements enroute to conquering the world's highest peak last month in addition to her enthusiasm for sports and experiences gained during her days as a National Cadet Corps cadet making Bidyapati overcome challenging obstacles.

Speaking to The sangai Express at her Mongjam Maning leikai residence, Bidyapati said reaching Mt Everest on May 17 morning (9.45) was one of her most satisfying moments and made her almost forget severe hardships she and her North East expedition team members endured on their way to the top of the world.

Recounting that icy-wind at 80-kms per hour speed started to blow with the peak within sight, she pointed to scars on her face to indicate severity of the weather conditions, which reportedly stifled attempt of two other female climbers in the 8-member NE team from reaching the highest point (29,935 ft) .

Ningthoujam Bidyapati arriving at Imphal Airport on 6th June 2013 Pix - Denial Chabungbam

Stating that the team underwent 70 days of acclimatization cum training rigours ahead of the summit attempt at Lukla Base Camp, Bidyapati said that apart from weathering one of the harshest conditions on Earth a climber needs to consume no less than 2 litres of water as the air becomes thinner with height.

Confiding that her aspiration to scale K-2 peak, the second highest peak in the world at 28,250, is likely to remain unfulfilled as Pakistan Government does not permit Indians to conduct expedition, she however expressed that attempt to scale Mt Kanchenjunga (28,208 ft) in Sikkim would be vigorously pursued in the near future.

Informing that scaling Mt Kanchenjunga is not an easy task for it is a rocky mountain requiring high technical skill and resilience, Bidyapati said she is unfazed inspite of the dangerous environment of the world's third highest peak.

Welcoming the Government of Manipur's announcement that State members in the NE expedition team would be presented Rs 10 lakhs each, she suggested that ensuring job security to successful climbers would be encouraging for more individuals to bring glory to the State.

While affirming that she would extend all possible assistance and share her experiences in nurturing future climbers, Bidyapati wished that video footage of the expedition be broadcast for public viewing.

A Graduate from Liberal College, Luwangshangbam, Bidyapati credited her enthusiasm for heights to her enrolling in the NCC when she was in Class II and expressed gratitude to Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association for helping her sustain the zeal.

According to her parents, Kokngang and Borni, Bidyapati was deprived of nutritious diets due to economic condition of the family despite her enthusiasm for outdoor activities.

The second child of three siblings, Bidyapati also had strong interest in traditional dance as well and also took active part in debate competitions, recounted the parents adding that she continues to perform dances in DDK, Imphal.

In what could be construed as physical conditioning from a tender age, the parents said Bidyapati had to walk long distance very frequently to reach the Koirengei point of NH-39 during her days in the NCC besides helping the family in cultivation activities.

It is also said that Bidyapati used to be a member of the local embroidery unit as she grew up to support her dietary expenses.

The parents lamented that with the exception of two square meals a day they could not provide the lone daughter any other food supplement.