The Everest climber: From the pits to the peak

ON TOP OF THE WORLD: An advocate by profession, Kalpana always wanted to climb the Everest.

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Dhenkanal: Kalpana Dash made history when she scaled the world’s highest peak Mount Everest last week.

The board outside her home says Kalpana Dash, Everest climber, though it was only last week that the 38-year-old finally managed to fulfill her dream.

In 2004 she first tried climbing the Everest but failed. Then in 2006 with hardly a few hundred meters left to reach the peak she had to turn back due to bad weather. But such deterrents never stopped Kalpana.

An advocate by profession, Kalpana always wanted to climb the Everest. She faced resistance from her conservative family and did not even marry fearing obstacles to her goal. She also had problems getting sponsors.

But finally she overcame all difficulties and today at her house in Dhenkanal, Orissa, there is a beeline of people to share her happiness.

Kalpana's proud mother Sailabala Dash says, “I am very happy that she finally made it. I am dying to meet her. I have not been able to speak to her after this glory."

Meanwhile, Kalpana’s sister-in-law Jasashree says, “Everyday she used to climb the nearby Kapilash mountain at least six times a day. She would then pray to Lord Shiva in the temple at top of the mountain. She did a lot of hard work and had immense faith in God."