Dialogue from the Summit: The Logic of Engineering and the Courage of Mountaineering

"From the precision of engineering to the heights of the mountains—Akanksha Sharma of Kota has proven that if your lungs carry the strength of pranayama and your mind holds the determination to conquer, no ‘freezer’ in the world can freeze your courage."

"A woman’s true strength lies in the determination within her—the determination that can make even impossible mountains appear small before her courage."

International Women's Day is a day to celebrate stories that cross boundaries and write new chapters of inspiration. One such remarkable story is that of Akanksha Sharma Kutumbale, a daughter of Kota. By profession, she is a structural engineer, yet she has gone far beyond analyzing complex civil engineering designs. By successfully climbing some of the world’s most challenging peaks and hoisting the India tricolor, she has proven that the height of determination can make even the tallest mountains seem small.

Physical Fitness and Breath Control

Mountaineering experts believe that success at high altitudes depends not only on determination but also on scientifically preparing the body. Akanksha followed a strict discipline to prepare herself. Her routine included daily 10-kilometer running, step workouts, and strength training to build stamina.

One of the most crucial aspects of her preparation was the practice of Pranayama. According to experts, at high altitudes where oxygen levels are extremely low, pranayama helps significantly in improving lung capacity. This practice allowed Akanksha to maintain control over her breathing even in the thin air of the mountains.

Kilimanjaro: The Test of “Stella Point” and a Mental Victory

During her climb of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet), the “summit night” proved to be the toughest challenge. Akanksha recalls the experience as chilling and unforgettable.

When she reached close to Stella Point (5,756 meters / 18,885 feet), considered one of the most difficult parts of the final ascent, she saw several climbers—especially some women—giving up and returning due to exhaustion and the harsh conditions. The temperature had dropped to around –13°C, and seeing others turn back momentarily affected her morale.

However, she remained calm and determined. After reaching the summit, she proudly wore a Kashmiri Kani saree and unfurled the Indian tricolor, symbolizing both personal achievement and cultural pride.

Mount Elbrus: “Like Walking Inside a Freezer”

Climbing Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters / 18,510 feet), the highest peak in Europe, during the off-season demonstrated Akanksha’s technical expertise. Located in the Caucasus Mountains, Elbrus is infamous for its unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions.

Akanksha endured extreme temperatures ranging from –20°C to –25°C. Recalling the harsh cold, she said:

"The conditions there made me feel as if I was walking inside a giant freezer."

According to experts, one of the biggest challenges on Elbrus is the icy winds blowing at speeds of 80–100 km per hour. Despite these harsh winds, Akanksha maintained her balance and composure.

Her Advanced Mountaineering Course in 2019 from Kashmir–Ladakh helped her master the use of equipment such as crampons and ice axes, enabling her to safely climb the slippery, icy slopes.

Akanksha’s Journey at a Glance

• Name: Akanksha Sharma Kutumbale (Kota, Rajasthan)

• Education: M.Tech in Structural Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

• Major Achievements: Successful ascents of Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa) and Mount Elbrus (Europe)

• Special Distinction: Conquered peaks while wearing a saree, enhancing cultural pride

• Goal: To climb the highest peaks of all seven continents, known as the Seven Summits

A Message of Shared Success

Akanksha credits her achievements to the constant support of her family, especially her mother-in-law, whose encouragement played a crucial role. Social observers believe that her story breaks stereotypes suggesting that women must give up personal dreams after marriage.

Akanksha’s success is not just her own—it represents every woman who gathers the courage to overcome obstacles and pursue her dreams.

The true meaning of Women’s Day lies in ensuring that every daughter, like Akanksha, can choose her own summit and conquer it.

As Serena Williams said:
"Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another."