Mt Everest feat fetches Vikram award for Bhawna

Bhopal: Mountaineer Bhawna Dehariya, daughter of a school teacher, was selected for the Vikram Award 2023 following her remarkable ascent of Mount Everest. She created history by becoming the first female from Madhya Pradesh to receive Vikram Award in adventure sports.
State-level awards, including Vikram, Eklavya, Vishwamitra, Lifetime Achievement, and Prabhash Joshi Awards, are presented annually by the MP govt to recognise exceptional athletes, coaches, and sports contributors. The Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare (DSYW), Govt of MP, released the list of awardees on Thursday.
A native of Chhindwara, Bhawna achieved a remarkable feat by climbing Mt Everest in 2019. Her accomplishments include successful ascents of numerous peaks across different continents, serving as an inspiration to young athletes, particularly women in adventure sports.
Bhawna serves as the brand ambassador for 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative, championing the cause of female empowerment and encouraging girls to overcome obstacles in sports and adventure pursuits.
She expressed her sentiments, saying, "Being selected for the Vikram Award is a moment of immense pride. This recognition is dedicated to my parents, family, and mentors, whose unwavering support has been my greatest strength. I remain committed to promoting mountaineering and adventure sports in India, inspiring more youth to explore their potential."
The mountaineer's journey in adventure sports began with local treks in Chhindwara, gradually progressing to more challenging expeditions. She wishes to complete the prestigious Seven Summits challenge, the highest peaks across all continents.
In addition to her mountaineering pursuits, Bhawna actively participates in environmental conservation efforts. She leads initiatives to maintain cleanliness at high-altitude base camps and promotes sustainable climbing practices. Her advocacy extends to climate change awareness, highlighting the impact of global warming on mountain ecosystems.
As a role model, she regularly visits schools and colleges across state, sharing her experiences and encouraging students to pursue their dreams, talking about breaking gender stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities in adventure sports.
The Sports and Youth Welfare Department of Madhya Pradesh recognised her contributions through the award.
Several aspiring mountaineers congratulated her whom she mentored earlier. Bhawna continues to plan future expeditions while maintaining her commitment to social causes.