"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
11 Oct 2023
Akshaj Udaiwal, an extraordinary 8-year-old boy, has made history by becoming the youngest person to scale Turkey's Mt. Ararat. The news of his remarkable feat has captured international attention and admiration.
Dubbed as the "Mountain Boy," Akshaj hails from Ongole, Andhra Pradesh and currently resides in Mascot with his parents. His mountaineering journey began in 2021 when he successfully climbed the 4,000m high Chandrashila Summit in Uttarakhand, earning him the "Honour of Appreciation" from the India Book of Records.
In 2022, Akshaj reached the summit of Mount Nangkartshang, a towering peak of 5,077m located in the Everest region of Nepal. This achievement earned him the title of the "Youngest to climb this mountain in Asia" by the Asia Book of Records. At just 6 years and 11 months old, he secured a place in the India Book of Records. He further added to his accolades by reaching the Mount Everest Base Camp, solidifying his position as the youngest to accomplish this feat.
Under the guidance of retired Indian Army Colonel Pradeep Bist, SM, Akshaj honed his mountaineering skills and fearlessly explored the natural terrains of the Indian subcontinent. His determination and persistence shone through as he overcame challenging weather conditions and reached the peak of Mt. Ararat.
Akshaj's passion for mountaineering is evident, and he aspires to complete the Annapurna Base Camp climbing in Nepal by the end of 2024.
This young mountaineering prodigy has not only etched his name in the record books but has also become an inspiration for others, proving that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary heights. Akshaj Udaiwal's remarkable accomplishment serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human potential and determination.