CISF’s Geeta Samota Becomes First Officer from Force to Summit Mount Everest
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Sub-Inspector Geeta Samota made history by becoming the first CISF officer to summit Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, on Monday (May 19). Samota’s ascent marks a significant milestone for the force, highlighting her exceptional dedication and resilience.
Who is Geeta Samota, and what is her background?
Geeta Samota hails from Chak village in Rajasthan’s Sikar district, where she grew up in a modest family alongside her three sisters. Initially an accomplished hockey player during her college days, an injury prompted her to explore alternative paths, leading her to join CISF in 2011.
Samota quickly discovered a passion for mountaineering, becoming the first CISF officer selected for rigorous mountaineering training at the ITBP institute in Auli in 2015, followed by advanced training in 2017.
What are some of her notable mountaineering achievements?
Geeta Samota previously set records by becoming the first woman from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to summit Mount Satopanth (7,075 meters) in Uttarakhand and Mount Lobuche (6,119 meters) in Nepal in 2019.
She further distinguished herself by completing four peaks of the “Seven Summits” challenge in just six months and 27 days between 2021 and 2022, becoming the fastest Indian woman to achieve this feat. These peaks included Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, Mount Elbrus in Russia, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Mount Aconcagua in Argentina.
In another remarkable feat, she scaled five peaks in the Rupshu region of Ladakh in only three days.
What recognition has Geeta Samota received?
Geeta Samota has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the International Women’s Day Award 2023 from the Delhi Commission for Women, and the “Giving Wings to Dreams Award 2023” from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
What support has CISF provided, and what future plans are in place?
CISF actively supported Geeta’s Everest expedition, providing training opportunities at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali and sponsoring her climb. Inspired by her achievement, CISF plans to send a fully dedicated mountaineering team to Everest in 2026.
What message does her achievement convey?
Geeta Samota’s accomplishment sends a powerful message of determination and possibility, particularly for young women and girls across India. She is quoted as saying, “The mountains don’t discriminate. They treat everyone the same, regardless of gender. Only those with a special ‘X-factor’ reach the top.”
CISF Director General and the broader CAPF community have extended heartfelt congratulations to Geeta Samota, celebrating her journey as a profound symbol of resilience and inspiration.
