‘Pushed to death, but I made it': Tamil Nadu woman scales all 7 continental peaks, survives storm atop Denali
CHENNAI: On June 16, atop North America's Mount McKinley, N Muthamizh Selvi became the first person from Tamil Nadu to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents.
A native of Johilpatti village in Virudhunagar district, Muthamizh Selvi teaches Japanese in Chennai. Her great climb began in May 2023 when she became the first woman from Tamil Nadu to scale
Mount Everest
.
And in just the next two years, she would complete the 'Seven Summits' challenge Europe's Mount Elbrus (July 2023) Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro (Sept 2023) South America's Mount Aconcagua (Feb 2024) Australia's Mount Kosciuszko (March 2024) Antartica's Mount Vinson (Dec 2024) and finally Mount McKinley.
Called Denali by Native American people, meaning 'the tall one', it's where Muthamizh Selvi faced some of her biggest challenges.
"I had to carry an 80kg bag with me. It would keep pushing me backwards," she told TOI. "And after reaching the summit, we had to sleep there, in the freezing cold, without a tent, for 16 hours straight because of heavy winds."
And that, Muthamizh Selvi says, pushed her close to death. "I developed a splitting headache because of the winds. If I had bled, that would have been my end. It's a miracle I survived," she said.
Muthamizh Selvi climbed the mountain with Shaikh Hassan Khan who works for the Kerala secretariat.
"When we were caught in the storm, Shaikh contacted Kerala govt through his satellite phone, after which Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan alerted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We then found Indian Embassy staff waiting for us at the base camp with medical aid," Muthamizh Selvi said. "We had to walk for 18 hours to reach the base camp.
"
It took almost 2 crore for Muthamizh Selvi to scale the seven mountains. She was supported by state development authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).
Hailing Muthamizh Selvi's achievement, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi posted on X: "It is an inspiration for crores of women in India to reach their peaks."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Cruise comeback: Boats to sail on Sirhind canal in Ludhiana after 140 years
Doraha (Ludhiana): For Ludhiana, this is a deja-vu moment. After over a century, boats will sail down waters of the Sirhind Canal (combined branch). There will be no logs this time though and the boats will ply on a one-kilometre stretch of the canal's Bathinda branch in Ludhiana district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative, led by the water resources department, marks the revival of navigation on the canal, as was the practice during the British era. The department has awarded a contract to a private party to operate boating services and develop an adjoining amusement park near the old bridge, close to the beginning of the Sidhwan Canal. Executive engineer, water resources department (Ropar division) confirmed the development, saying that the canal stretch identified for boating spans approximately three kilometres, with the activity concentrated in the first kilometre. "This is perhaps the first time since the 1880s that boating will be done in this canal. During the British era, boats were used for transporting wood logs, and the Doraha area even had a dedicated wood log market. This revival is part of Punjab's new tourism policy, which aims at attracting visitors and generating revenue," the officer said. The initiative follows a similar project launched in Ropar around five months ago, which has reportedly received a positive response. Inspired by that success, the Ludhiana district is now preparing to offer a unique recreational experience along the canal. As part of the agreement, the private contractor has been granted a seven-year lease for both the boating area and the land designated for the amusement park. The annual lease fee for each is Rs 10 lakh, with a 10% increase every year. The contractor is also responsible for all development expenses, including landscaping, infrastructure, and safety measures. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Work on the site is progressing rapidly. Landscaping has already been completed along the canal banks, and two boats were spotted parked at the location during a visit by TOI. A private employee working on the project said that three motorboats have been brought in and more may be added in future as there is no cap on the number of boats allowed. "We've made most of the preparations. We're just waiting for final touches on the amusement park. A test run for boating is expected in a day or two," he added. The amusement park will feature fun activities for children, and a restaurant. Trained drivers will operate the motorboats, and safety protocols are being put in place to ensure secure rides for visitors. While local residents have expressed excitement about the upcoming facility, they have also emphasised the importance of safety. SBS Nagar resident Vivek Verma said, "It's great to see boating coming to our canal. But authorities must ensure that safety is given top priority. Life jackets, trained staff, and emergency protocols should be mandatory." In addition to the Doraha project, the water resources department has floated a tender for a similar boating initiative near Neelon Bridge, on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh National Highway. Although the tender has not yet matured, officials are optimistic about expanding boating activities across the region. Another proposal is in the works for the Sidhwan Canal, from Brahman Majra village to the Lohara area. Officials confirmed that private parties will be invited to bid for this project as well, indicating a broader push to integrate canal-based tourism into the district's development plans. The Sirhind Canal, constructed during the British era around 1882, was originally designed for irrigation and played a crucial role in supporting agriculture in Punjab's Malwa region. The revival of boating on this historic waterway is being seen not just as a tourism initiative, but also as a nod to the canal's rich legacy. Payal MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura welcomed the development, stating, "This is the first time after the British era that boating is going to start in the canal. It will be a great source of amusement for people, and the work is progressing at a fast pace." If successful, it could pave the way for similar ventures across Punjab, transforming its historic canals into vibrant hubs of leisure and tourism. A milestone for Ludhiana Unique initiative | Contract awarded to a private party by the water resources department for boating and amusement park development Boating to take place near the Old Bridge, close to the start of the Sidhwan Canal Historical revival | Boats were last used in the canal during the British era (circa 1880s) for wood log navigation Tourism boost | Part of Punjab's new tourism policy to attract visitors and generate revenue Lease details | 7-year lease for boating and amusement park; Rs 10 lakh annual fee for each, with a 10% yearly hike Infrastructure | Landscaping completed; three motorboats already brought in; more may be added Safety measures | Trained drivers and safety protocols planned; locals emphasise safety as a priority Additional proposals | Boating tender floated near Neelon Bridge; plans underway for Sidhwan Canal stretch . MSID:: 123218116 413 |
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Bureaucratic knots, heritage hurdles stall Karnataka's Rs 100 crore tourism push
Bengaluru: Despite the Centre sanctioning nearly Rs 100 crore under its Swadesh Darshan scheme to bolster tourism infrastructure in Karnataka, the state govt is struggling to translate plans into action due to a mixture of technical bottlenecks and political delays. Earlier this week, Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told the Lok Sabha that projects for Udupi and Bidar districts had been approved under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a component of Swadesh Darshan. However, he added, "No project at these destinations has been sanctioned, and the govt of Karnataka has been advised to obtain necessary clearances." The minister was responding to a query from Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary. While the Centre has given its nod in principle, the projects await final approvals due to objections raised by other central departments. Tourism director KV Rajendra told TOI that although detailed proposals have been submitted, regulatory hurdles remain. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "The state govt prepared a plan for a 12km cycle lane along the entire Udupi coast and an experience centre and other tourism-boosting structures in the middle of Bidar fort," said Rajendra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo "But we have run into queries from the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEF) over coastal regulation zone (CRZ) and National Monument Authority (NMA) under the Archaeological Survey of India for Udupi and Bidar projects," he said. "While MoEF has sought a map of 1:4000 to be prepared for CRZ clearances, the NMA considers the location as too sensitive for fresh structures." The state has now roped in National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management to prepare the CRZ map for the Udupi project. "We are in talks with both central agencies and are trying to convince them," Rajendra said. "For the Bidar fort development project, the govt is trying to persuade the Centre to consider its proposal." Also, two flagship tourism initiatives proposed in Mysuru under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 are entangled in political limbo. Department sources said a Rs 2.7 crore plan to create a 'tonga ride heritage experience zone' and an 'ecological experience zone' are still awaiting the chief minister's approval. "Since it is the CM's home district, we are waiting for him to lay the foundation stone for the two projects," an official said. The heritage tonga ride aims to recreate royal-era charm by setting up five carriage stations that will ferry tourists around Mysuru Palace. The ecological experience is designed to complement the Mysuru zoo with themed installations and green trails. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Loco-pilots: The real ‘driving force' of Ajni Pune Vande Bharat Express
1 2 Nagpur: The Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat Express, India's longest and fastest Vande Bharat service, began its maiden journey covering 881km and connecting 10 key cities on Sunday. While the train's speed and convenience have grabbed headlines, it is the dedicated loco pilots behind the controls who truly drive this historic service with pride and passion. At the heart of this journey is a skilled team comprising loco pilot and assistant traction loco controller Matin Khan, chief loco inspector RS Nemane, and assistant traction loco controller Sachin Thakre. Their 12-hour shift requires sharp focus and teamwork as they guide the train through diverse terrains and stops at Wardha, Akola, Shegaon, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Manmad, Puntamba, Daund, and Pune. "No one usually notices our hard work. We go by unnoticed and underrated," said Nemane with a chuckle. Speaking to TOI, Khan described piloting the Vande Bharat as "a proud career moment," saying, "It's not just driving a train; it's representing the future of rail travel." Youngest of the trio, Thakre's excitement was palpable. "Handling this train makes me feel I'm part of something big, something changing the way people travel in Maharashtra," he said, adding that the train's advanced technology pushes him to give his best throughout the demanding journey. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn 57+ Languages Easily with AI [Join] Talkpal AI Sign Up Undo But speed alone doesn't define their work. "Every signal and station demands full attention. We carry hundreds of passengers, and their safety is our top priority," Khan explained. Senior pilots familiar with this route called it both challenging and rewarding. "The varied terrain and multiple stops require precision and teamwork," said one. "Delivering passengers safely and on time fills us with unmatched satisfaction and pride." As the Vande Bharat raced toward Pune, the pilots reflected on their vital role. "We are not just operators; we are custodians of India's railway progress. Every smooth run reminds us why we do this," Khan said. Behind the speed, comfort, and technology of the Ajni–Pune Vande Bharat Express lies the dedication and passion of the loco pilots, the true drivers of India's railway revolution. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
