Raphael Warjri

A young student from Shillong has achieved a historic milestone by scaling the world’s highest peak.

In a moment of pride for Meghalaya and the entire Northeast, 20-year-old Rifiness Warjri has successfully scaled Mount Everest as part of the NCC Mount Everest Expedition 2025. She reached the 8,849-metre summit at 4:45 am on May 18, becoming the only climber from the region in a 38-member team.

With this achievement, Rifiness becomes the third woman and fourth individual from Meghalaya to conquer Everest, joining the ranks of Gary Jarman Lamare, Wansuk Myrthong, and Dolyne Kharbhih.

A resident of Kynton-u-Mon in Laitkor, Rifiness began her mountaineering journey through the NCC during her school years at Auxilium Convent. She is also a national-level Wushu and kickboxing athlete, having represented the state in various events.

Currently in New Delhi for further training and opportunities, she is expected to return home within a fortnight.

Her parents have expressed immense joy and gratitude, thanking God for her safe return and pledging continued support for her dreams, while also emphasizing the importance of her education.

Preparations are underway in Meghalaya for a grand welcome. A formal felicitation is being organized by the NCC at the Assam Rifles Headquarters in Laitkor. Her schools and college are planning tribute programmes, and localities where she has lived—Lawjynriew, Jylli Shop, Nongthymmai, and Kynton-u-Mon—are also gearing up to celebrate her success.

The Seng Kur Warjri clan is coordinating the celebrations, which will include a warm reception and a series of events to honour her remarkable feat.

Rifiness Warjri’s extraordinary journey is one that continues to inspire the region. Her success stands as a shining example of courage, determination, and the spirit of youth.