Born: 2000 (Pakala, Nizamabad district, Telangana, India)
Biography:
Malavath Purna, born on June 10, 2000, is an Indian mountaineer who has defied all odds and achieved remarkable feats in her young life. She etched her name in history on May 25, 2014, when, at the tender age of 13 years and 11 months, she successfully conquered Mount Everest. This incredible accomplishment made her the youngest Indian and the youngest female to have ever reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain.
Hailing from the village of Pakala in the Nizamabad district of Telangana, India, Purna’s journey to the peaks began with her enrollment in the Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society. It was here that her exceptional talent and determination were recognized by the society’s secretary, Dr. Repalle Shiva Praveen Kumar IPS. Purna was selected for the prestigious Operation Everest, a program that aimed to train young mountaineers to conquer the mighty Himalayan peaks.
In preparation for her ultimate goal of climbing Mount Everest, Purna undertook rigorous training and trekked through the challenging terrains of Ladakh and Darjeeling. These experiences not only tested her physical capabilities but also shaped her indomitable spirit, instilling in her the resilience and courage needed for the arduous journey ahead.
Finally, on that historic day in May 2014, Purna stood atop Mount Everest, basking in the glory of her remarkable achievement. Her unwavering determination and sheer grit were an inspiration to millions, especially young girls who dared to dream beyond societal expectations. Purna’s extraordinary feat shattered barriers and showcased the indomitable spirit of girls who could achieve greatness in traditionally male-dominated fields.
But Purna’s mountaineering journey did not stop at Everest. On July 27, 2017, she conquered Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Russia and Europe. Marking this significant achievement, Purna proudly unfurled a 50 ft long Indian Tricolor and sang the Indian National Anthem, symbolizing the pride and triumph of her motherland.
Purna’s determination to conquer new heights continued as she embarked on a quest to complete the Seven Summits. On June 5, 2022, she achieved her goal by climbing Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, alongside the father-daughter duo Ajeet Bajaj and Deeya Bajaj. This remarkable accomplishment further solidified Purna’s position in the annals of mountaineering history.
The impact of Purna’s achievements goes far beyond the realm of mountaineering. She has become a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for young girls across India and the world. Through her incredible journey, she has shattered stereotypes and proven that determination and resilience know no boundaries.
Purna’s remarkable story has also been captured in a film titled Poorna: Courage Has No Limit, released in 2017 and directed by Rahul Bose. This cinematic portrayal of her life serves as a testament to her extraordinary courage and will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.