Teen Mountaineer Vishwanath Karthikey Conquers Heights, Claims Prestigious Bal Puraskar

Award Recognition

The National Bal Puraskar, India's highest civilian honor for children under 18, celebrates Vishwanath's unparalleled achievements in mountaineering. Selected from thousands, he exemplifies dedication and resilience in scaling peaks that test human limits.

Key Highlights

• Scaled seven peaks by age 16, with Mt. Everest (8,848m) as the pinnacle, becoming one of the youngest Indians to summit the world's highest mountain.
• Conquered other formidable peaks like Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Elbrus, and those in the Andes, showcasing global expedition prowess.
• Trained rigorously under expert guidance, balancing academics with high-altitude adventures since age 12.

Broader Impact
Vishwanath's journey promotes adventure sports among Indian youth, fostering fitness and mental toughness. The award, presented annually by the President, underscores India's push for holistic child development beyond classrooms.

Sources: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announcements.