Premlata Agarwal becomes oldest Indian woman to scale Mt Everest

Jharkhand's Premlata Agarwal today became the oldest Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest at the age of 45.

Premlata, who is being supported by Tata Steel, is also the first person from Jharkhand to go an expedition to the Mount Everest.

Premlata's preparation for the final summit push began on May 6, where she went from the base camp (18000ft) to C2 (Camp 2 at 22,000 ft) and then she climbed to C3 (Camp 3 at 23,000ft where she had to go on artificial oxygen).

She then reached C4 (Camp 4, South Col 26000 ft) yesterday, and took rest before beginning her final climb towards the summit.

Before going for the expedition, Premlata also undertook a climbing exercise to Island Peak (20,300 ft) in the Everest Region to acclimatise herself to the conditions.

A mother of two daughters, one of whom is married, Premlata started her actual climb from the base camp on April 17.

Hailing Premlata's feat, Tata Steel's vice-president of Corporate Services, Sanjiv Paul, said, "This is a proud moment for all of us. I extend my heartiest congratulations to Premlata for having achieved this feat and especially to Bachendri Pal for having trained and supported her all the way."