One of the youngest Goan aspiring mountaineers to have climbed upto 5,360 metres Mt Everest base camp, Shanaya Gautam Verlekar has described her experience as “life-changing” as she discovered reserves of strength within and kept pushing with the Sunrise to reach the pinnacle of her momentous endeavour.
Undertaking the iconic climb on her first-ever High Altitude adventure, the 13-year-old Shanaya delivered an exceedingly composed and tenacious performance and likened the act to a long strong sporting duel.
The Manovikas student, who is a regular Badminton player, endured 9 days of uphill climbing and 4 days of descent, which has its set of challenges that could deter the newbies. But not Shanaya, as she had no fears due to the fortitude ingrained inside her by her mountaineer parents Gautam and Karishma, who was also a part of the expedition.
Livenewsgoa.com caught up with Margao-based Shanaya, whose excellent feat has put the spotlight on the growing passion amongst the Goans for High-Altitude Adventure and mountaineering. Here is the Q&A interaction with Shanaya Gautam Verlekar.
Q: How did you plan the climb, what were the key components of your preparations?
A: Both my parents are strong adventure climbers and I hear about their discussions and the exciting stories. So actually, it was just a really random feeling I had that made me want to do it, so much. Also Everest, the Highest Mountain in the World is a bit enticing for everyone. About the climb I was quite confident because I had my mother going along with me, on her second stretch, and she had prepared me in such a way that there was nothing for me to be afraid of. The key factors were having a knowledgeable guide like my mom, and of course the physical training prior to the trek.
Q: What are the sacrifices or alteration to your lifestyle, did you bring in – that defines your approach to the climb?
A: I am a Badminton Player and have a relatively healthy lifestyle. My Badminton coach has helped me a lot in my early years with agility. Also with my parents who are strong at their fitness work, it was not a big change. I had to undergo a cross-fit training programme with my fitness coach at Norbert Studio for two months to build different strengths that’s it; so not much of a sacrifice that way. But once decided, I was very focussed on my training and sessions every day, in spite of it being a summer break.
Q: What were the thoughts running in your mind during the climb?
A: During the climb, I did not do a lot of thinking actually. I was not over-complicating things but keeping it simple, I just kept the momentum going as I was following my mother who is an excellent climber and kept a stable pace. In a way, I actually enjoyed it almost as hard sporting activity, where I just keep doing my thing, my job well.
Q: As a 13-year-old, what was your biggest strength that helped you achieve the goal?
A: I did not think much about it as a 13-year-old, but because of all the loved ones in my family who encouraged me to do this, I was thinking about what the actual outcome would be! And what if I achieved it; to push myself. In a way at such a young age, I thought it was going to be a bit difficult, as it was also my first time. Plus, along the way as we gained altitude, I was a bit under the weather. Honestly, I had this feeling somewhere inside of me that I was not going to be able to do this a couple of times, but in the end pushing myself each day at Sunrise, slowly gave me the confidence along the way.
Q: Have you felt a part of mountaineering community as your parents are into it and what is your perspective after your accomplishment?
A: It is just the first time, I do not know really. My father is a big-time mountaineering enthusiast and also a climber himself, so I do hear the stories and the legends. But as of now, I am still getting to know this community of ‘Legendary Mountaineers’ and their great accomplishments.
Q: What is your vision, long-term goal?
A: Honestly, after this I think I can see myself doing more because I am a very sporty and outdoor person and I love to take on challenges, because it is something I really enjoy. Though, my immediate goal is on academics, mountains are beautiful and challenging, so as of now my goal is to follow good examples of sportsmen and women, learn along the way slowly to make a mark for myself.
Q: What can be done to draw more youngsters towards mountaineering?
A: It depends on the individual, because there are a lot of kids out there who really have fun in the outdoors and should be encouraged by the parents. Mountains are also full of natural elements and teach you about taking care of the environment and healthy living. It is important that kids should be as much out in dirt as possible. Joining Mountaineering and Adventure groups greatly helps.
Q: What is your message for Goan youngsters and parents in particular?
A: I may not be a big mountaineer but this was a life-changing experience for me, and that not only for a youngster like me, but even for an adult without a doubt, I can say that keeping fit and bringing an outdoor lifestyle is more important than gadgets and expensive holidays.
