Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Police Inspector Deepika Gautam has become the first woman officer from the state police force to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, according to media reports.
Gautam, posted at the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) headquarters in Bhopal, reached the 5,895-metre summit in Tanzania on May 29 after a challenging five-day climb. She was the only participant from India in the international expedition.
The ascent involved crossing three base camps before a final overnight push to the summit. Temperatures reportedly dropped to between minus 10°C and minus 15°C, while rapidly changing weather conditions added to the difficulty of the climb.
Speaking about her achievement, Gautam said balancing professional duties and family responsibilities often forces people to put their aspirations on hold, but she remained determined to fulfil her dream.
“This achievement reflects the belief that dreams should not be abandoned, regardless of the challenges,” she said.
Kilimanjaro was Gautam’s first major international mountaineering expedition. She has previously completed several high-altitude treks, including the Amarnath and Kedarnath routes.
Media reports said she is now preparing for another overseas mountaineering expedition next year, although details have not yet been disclosed.
