Born: 1965 (Jammu, India)
Biography:
Sangeeta Sindhi Bahl, born on February 9th, 1965, in Jammu, is an Indian woman who has carved her name in the history of mountaineering. Hailing from the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, she achieved a remarkable feat by conquering the world’s tallest mountain peak, Mount Everest, in May 2018. At the age of 53, Sangeeta became the oldest Indian woman to have scaled the towering peak, standing at an awe-inspiring height of 29,031.7 feet. Her ascent also marked the first time a woman from Jammu and Kashmir had accomplished such a remarkable feat.
Before she ventured into the realm of mountaineering, Sangeeta had a background in the world of beauty pageants. In 1985, she participated in the Miss India competition, where she reached the finals, showcasing her charm, intelligence, and determination. However, her true calling lay beyond the glitz and glamour of the modeling industry.
The seed of mountaineering was planted in Sangeeta’s mind in 2011 when her husband, Ankur Bahl, inspired her with the idea. That same year, she embarked on her first major climb, conquering the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which stands at an impressive height of 5,895 meters. This achievement fueled her thirst for conquering new heights and pushing her own limits.
In 2013, Sangeeta added another feather to her cap by conquering Europe’s highest peak, Mount Elbrus. Rising to 5,642 meters, this mountain tested her resolve and showcased her resilience. The following year, she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the third Indian woman climber to reach the summit of Antarctica’s Mount Vinson, which stands at a towering height of 4,897 meters. Scaling Mt. Vinson further solidified her position as an accomplished mountaineer.
Sangeeta’s incredible journey continued in 2015 when she conquered Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, peaking at an impressive 6,962 meters. With each new summit, she pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible for an Indian woman in the field of mountaineering. Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all, breaking through the glass ceiling and defying societal norms.
Apart from her mountaineering ventures, Sangeeta is also an accomplished professional in the field of image consultancy. She is the founder, director, and image consultant at Impact Image Consultants, located in Gurgaon. Her expertise lies in mentoring and coaching individuals, as well as providing specialized training to corporate staff. Sangeeta’s keynote speeches and training sessions inspire individuals to tap into their full potential and present their best selves to the world.
The year 2017 presented Sangeeta with a significant challenge. Her previous attempt to conquer Mount Everest was foiled by altitude sickness, causing her and six other climbers to be evacuated. Undeterred by this setback, she returned in 2018, determined to surmount the formidable peak. With sheer determination and indomitable spirit, Sangeeta successfully stood at the summit of Mount Everest, etching her name in the annals of mountaineering history.
Sangeeta Sindhi Bahl’s personal life is a harmonious balance between her adventurous spirit and her family. Born in Jammu, the summer capital city of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, she found an incredible partner in her husband, Ankur Bahl. Together, they have a son named Aarnav Bahl, who undoubtedly finds inspiration in his mother’s extraordinary achievements.
Sangeeta Sindhi Bahl’s journey is a testament to human resilience and the power of determination. From her days as a Miss India finalist to scaling the highest summits across the continents, she has shattered barriers and challenged societal norms. Her remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the history of mountaineering and have paved the way for future generations of women to find their own summits to conquer.