Hyderabad teenager Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti has become the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world to complete the legendary 7 Summits challenge
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

HYDERABAD

Hyderabad teenager Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti has become the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world to complete the legendary 7 Summits challenge – scaling the highest peak on each continent, a feat that ranks among the most prestigious in global mountaineering.

The 16-year-old’s final ascent came on May 27, when he summited Mount Everest (8,848 m) after weeks of gruelling climbing. “Standing on the summit of Everest and completing the 7 Summits is a dream come true,” said Vishwanath Karthikey. “This journey tested every part of me- physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m grateful for the love and support I’ve received throughout this journey.”

His journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when his elder sister Vaishnavi was preparing to trek Rudugaira. Vishwanath, then just 11, expressed interest in joining her. His family was sceptical. “We discouraged him,” recalled his mother, Laxmi Padakanti, “but his sister insisted we give him a chance. That first trek ended in failure, but something in him had changed.”

From there, he just ascended, fuelled his passion in the snow by enrolling at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering where he trained for a good five months. His first attempt at Mount Elbrus in 2021 was also unsuccessful, but the setbacks only hardened his resolve. Over the years, he went on to summit Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Vinson, and Kosciuszko, each climb building towards his final Everest push.

Mentorship played a critical role. He trained under Bharath and Lt. Romil Barthwal, an Indian Army veteran and noted mountaineer. “Vishwanath’s achievement is not just a mountaineering milestone,” said the mentors. “It reflects his humility, discipline, and mental strength. He’s proof of what young people can achieve with the right attitude and support.”

For his grandparents and his father, Padakanti Rajendra Prasad, the pillars of his strength, the journey has been transformative. “He was such a lazy child once,” Laxmi, laughs. “Never played with the colony kids, slacked in studies. Now, he’s the most responsible person I know. He also manages his studies alongside by scoring 92% in his Inter First Year.”

Still, it hasn’t been smooth. “When we went to embassies for permissions, people would ask if he was adopted or if I even loved him to send him off to expeditions,” Laxmi says. “But I didn’t let it bother me. He’s doing what he loves, and I’ll support that any day.”

As for what comes next, Laxmi says he is only going to up his record. “He is interested in joining the Indian Army as well. Still deciding. But whatever road he takes, we are willing to support him” she affirms feeling proud.