Raphael Warjri

Rifiness Warjri, a 20-year-old student of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, has made history by scaling Mount Everest as part of the NCC Mount Everest Expedition 2025. She reached the 8,849-metre summit at 4:45 am on 18 May, becoming the sole representative from the Northeast in the 38-member team.

With this feat, Rifiness becomes the third woman and fourth person from Meghalaya to conquer the world’s highest peak, following Gary Jarman Lamare (2012), Wansuk Myrthong (2013), and Dolyne Kharbhih (2016).

A native of Kynton-u-Mon, Laitkor, and the third of five siblings, Rifiness credits her parents, Shlurbor Kharmyndai and Diamondsea Warjri, for their steadfast support. Her mountaineering journey began through the NCC during her school years at Auxilium Convent, Shillong. She is also a skilled Wushu and kickboxing athlete, having represented Meghalaya in multiple events.

Her achievement stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Northeast, breaking barriers and proving that no dream is too distant.

Fondly known as Glory, Rifiness Warjri has completed her historic Everest expedition and is currently in New Delhi for further exposure and opportunities in her mountaineering career. She is expected to return to her hometown in Meghalaya within a fortnight.

Speaking to her parents, they expressed immense joy and gratitude to God for her safe return from the world’s highest peak. They continue to support and encourage her in all her passionate pursuits while also emphasizing the importance of her academic studies for a well-rounded future.

Preparations are underway in Meghalaya for a grand felicitation of Rifiness ‘Glory’ Warjri following her successful Everest expedition. The celebrations will begin at the Assam Rifles Headquarters in Laitkor, supported by her parent organization, the NCC.

Her former schools—Kamala Nehru Secondary School and Auxilium Convent—as well as her current college, St. Anthony’s, are organizing tribute events. Warm welcomes are also being planned in the localities she has lived in: Lawjynriew, Jylli Shop, Nongthymmai, and her present residence at Kynton-U-Mon, Laitkor.

The Seng Kur Warjri clan organization is coordinating the felicitation programmes, from receiving her on arrival to organizing a series of events to honour her remarkable achievement.