16-Year-Old Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti Completes 7 Summits Challenge
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti |
| Age | 16 years old |
| Hometown | Hyderabad, India |
| Achievement | Youngest Indian and second youngest globally to complete the 7 Summits Challenge (climbing the highest peak on each continent). |
| Final Summit | Mount Everest (8,848 meters) on May 27. |
| Journey Start | Began during COVID-19 pandemic (2020) after an initial failed trek. |
| Training | 5 months at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering; mentored by Bharath and Lt. Romil Barthwal. |
| Previous Summits | Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, Kosciuszko. |
| Academic Performance | Scored 92% in Inter First Year while pursuing mountaineering. |
| Family Support | Parents and grandparents supported him; mother Laxmi Padakanti highlighted his transformation. |
| Challenges Faced | Faced skepticism from embassies and outsiders questioning his age and motives. |
| Future Plans | Interested in joining the Indian Army; family continues to support him. |