Naga Satish Pasupuleti, a 19-year-old mountaineer became the world's youngest and fastest to scale the Uhuru Peak.
Published Jul 16, 2023 | 10:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2023 | 10:00 AM
Naga Satish set a record for completing the first leg of the climb (5,400 metres) in an astonishing eight hours and 50 minutes. (Supplied)
Naga Satish Pasupuleti, a 19-year-old adventurer, vividly recalls his childhood days in Udimudi, Konaseema district, when he would pedal for long distances to reach the venue of sports events happening in neighbouring districts.
His passion for participating in athletic events overshadowed any thoughts of the tedious journey to the venue. His mind was fixated solely on the target, his vision driving him forward.
One of the challenges was to spend an entire night in isolation at 5,400 metres, without a guide and sufficient sustenance. (Supplied)
This very determination and mindset led him to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro not once, but twice in just three days, making him the world’s youngest mountaineer ever to achieve this feat.
He also set a record for completing the first leg of the climb (5,400 metres) in an astonishing eight hours and 50 minutes. Braving treacherous paths, including the steep Umbwe route, he embraced the challenge head-on.
Now, basking in the euphoria of his recent achievement, Satish reflects on his journey.
“I can’t exactly pinpoint what ignited my passion for mountaineering. It could be the enchanting landscapes that I was surrounded by during my childhood, or the obstacles I encountered in life,” he mulls.
Despite coming from a low-income agrarian family, Satish refused to allow his social circumstances hinder his dreams.
“I made a courageous choice to wholeheartedly pursue what truly mattered to me, defying all odds,” says the determined first-generation learner.
On 28 June, 2023, during his challenging ascent to the Uhuru Peak, Satish encountered several obstacles. One of them was spending an entire night in isolation at 5,400 metres, without a guide and sufficient sustenance.
Reflecting on this hardship, he recounts, “I was advised against climbing the peak due to a fallen stone along the route. However, I proceeded with my plan, braving the frosty conditions. I had to consume ice to stave off dehydration. Without a tent or any shelter, it was just me and my mind. I had to ensure I didn’t give up.”
After the intense night, Satish descended to the Barranco camp to recuperate before embarking on his next climb, which took him to his ultimate destination.
“After I ran up the exhilarating Umbwe route, a sense of calmness enveloped me upon reaching the summit. Contemplating life’s journey, I proudly waved the Indian flag and the flag of Krea University.”
After clocking in an exhaustive distance of 79 km, Satish decided to extend his stay in Tanzania — to immerse himself in the rich culture of the Maasai tribe.
During his time there, he forged lasting connections with the tribe members and took the opportunity to share with them the significance of education.
But this endeavour isn’t new for the student of History and Politics at the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS), Krea University. For several years, Naga has actively engaged in raising awareness about education in tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.
“Coming from a low-income family, I’ve personally witnessed the repercussions of lacking education and the biases it can perpetuate,” he tells South First.
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“I have seen how the absence of education can subject individuals to suffer from social biases. Many only realise this later in life.”
Satish’s impactful initiatives did not go unnoticed.
In 2021, he received a nomination for the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize from KidsRights Foundation, an organisation based in the Netherlands dedicated to aid children’s rights.
At the age of 14, Satish took a stand against the prevalent issue of mass copying, where teachers would provide answers to students during exams.
Observing the detrimental consequences of this practice, he witnessed students passing exams without truly gaining knowledge.
Although they would secure admissions into engineering colleges and even IIIT, they would often struggle under pressure and lack a strong foundation, ultimately succumbing to the challenges they faced.
Satish’s parents sponsored his Tanzania trip with their savings of ₹3,00,000, despite their struggles. (Supplied)
Satish resolved to put an end to this cycle.
Undeterred by the lack of support and ridicule from others, he approached the office of the then Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to file complaints.
“People mocked me for my actions, and I had little to no support. However, the concerns were eventually addressed, leading to appropriate action being taken. Despite them deliberately failing me in my 10th grade, it did not deter me from standing up for what was right.”
Today, Satish stands at the threshold of boundless possibilities. He is aware that the path of mountaineering entails significant financial investment.
“My parents, despite their struggles, sponsored my Tanzania trip with their savings of ₹3,00,000,” he shares.
However, he recognises that securing supportive sponsors could be a game-changer in his journey.
“My goal is to conquer the Seven Summits and tackle uncharted peaks. I remain hopeful for what lies ahead in my future.”
In a world dominated by virtual connections, Satish prefers to stay away from noise. He keeps things simple, maintaining just a WhatsApp account for communication.
But his status message on the messaging app speaks volumes: ‘You are as powerful as you trust yourself’.
Encapsulating the core of his personality, these words serve as a testament to the remarkable achievements Satish has attained in such a short period.
To help Naga Satish scale heights, contact southfirstfeatures@gmail.com.
