Teenaer Hyderabad Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti became the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world to complete the legendary 7 Summits Challenge | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Hyderabad
Teenaer Hyderabad Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti became the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world to complete the legendary 7 summits – scaling the highest peak on each continent, ranking among the most prestigious in the global climbing.
The final ascent of the 16 -year -old came on May 27, when Mount Everest (8,848 m) overthrew after weeks of exhausting climbing. “He stood at the top of Everest, and the completion of 7 summits is a dream come true,” Vishwanath Karthikey said. “This journey tested every part of the mel- physically, mentally and emotionally. I am grateful for the love and support I received during this trip.”
His journey began during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when his older sister VaiShnavi was preparing for Trek Rudugaira. Vishwanath, then only 11, expressed interest in joining it. His family was skeptical. “We discouraged him,” his mother recalled Laxmi Padakants, “but his sister insisted us to give him a chance. This first trek ended in failure, but something changed in him.”
He just got out of there, powered his passion in the snow by enrolling on the Nezru Institute for mountaineering, where he trained for five months. His first attempt at Mount Elbrus in 2021 was also unsuccessful, but the failures only stiffened his determination. Over the years, he continued at the Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson and Kosciuszko summit, each climbing toward his last Everest.
Mentorship played a decisive role. He trained under Bharath and Lieutenant Romil Barthwal, an Indian army veteran and a well -known climber. “Vishwanath’s success is not just a climbing milestone,” referers said. “It reflects his humility, discipline and mental strength. It’s evidence of what young people can achieve with the right approach and support.”
For his grandparents and his father, Padakanti Rajendra Prasad, columns of his strength, the path was transformative. “Once there was such a lazy child,” laughs Laxmi. “He has never played with the children of the colony, flabby in studies. Now he is the most responsible person I know. The study also organizes 92%in his first year.”
Yet it wasn’t smooth. “When we went to the embassies for permission, people would ask if he was adopted or if I even loved him to send him to expeditions,” Laxmi says. “But I didn’t allow it to bother me. He’s doing what he loves, and I support it every day.”
As for what comes next, Laxmi says he only increases his record. “He’s interested in joining the Indian army. I still make decisions.
Published – May 27, 2025 20:53
