MUMBAI : Singer and mountaineer Rina Charaniya aka Rii, who has sung songs like Aadha Chaand, Baatein Uski and Phir Mulaqat, successfully summited Carstensz Pyramid, one of the most technically challenging climbs in the Seven Summits project, on October 12.
Talking about the climb, she said, “Located on the island of New Guinea in Indonesia, the Carstensz Pyramid rises to an elevation of 4,884 meters and is renowned for its technical difficulty and harsh, unpredictable weather conditions. This climb marked the third peak I've conquered as part of my Seven Summits journey, a prestigious challenge to scale the highest mountains on each continent.”
“The climb itself was infamous for its sheer rock faces and ever-changing weather. As I began my summit push, I faced a ferocious combination of wind, rain, and snowstorms. The near-vertical rock walls and knife-edged ridges became even more treacherous as the weather worsened. Strong winds threatened to destabilize my footing, with visibility dropping rapidly. Every step required focus and careful judgment. Despite the adversity, I pushed through, navigating the fixed lines with precision while contending with icy conditions on the limestone rocks,” she added.
She further shared that reaching the base camp alone was an adventure for her, as the remote location is accessible only via helicopter or several days of “arduous trekking through unforgiving terrain.”
Though Rii stressed that the physical endurance and technical expertise required were immense, the sense of accomplishment made it all worthwhile. Despite the hardships, she is determined to complete the Seven Summits. “Looking ahead, I am eager to tackle the remaining peaks and grateful for the support of my family and community,” she said.
She has dedicated this achievement to her lifelong idol, the late Ratan Tata. She was inspired by his life during her own struggles and mentioned that the Tata Hospital played a crucial role in saving her father’s life during his battle with lung cancer. It was the same year she had some setbacks in her music career, but she strives to embody the resilience and grace that Tata exemplified.
She said, “I deeply admire him for his humility and ethical approach to business. He has left behind a profound legacy of compassion and integrity. His unwavering commitment to prioritizing people and animals over profit shone through in his philanthropic efforts and initiatives, transforming countless lives in the process. I’ve been following his footsteps since a very young age, and it was my dream to meet him one day, but unfortunately, I couldn’t.”
“Having recently climbed the Carstensz Pyramid, I feel compelled to dedicate this summit to Ratan Tata as a tribute to his extraordinary legacy and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on my life and society. His life serves as a beacon of hope for many, reminding us all of the profound importance of compassion and purpose in leadership,” Rii ended.
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