From Tea Stall to Everest: Meghalaya’s Rifiness Warjri Sets Sights on Seven Summits
Shillong, July 16 – Rifiness Warjri, a 20-year-old from Meghalaya, has risen from humble beginnings to achieve extraordinary heights — quite literally. Once helping her mother serve tea and noodles at a small roadside stall, she is now the youngest from her state to scale Mount Everest, and her ambitions continue to grow.
In a heartfelt interview, Rifiness spoke of her dream to conquer the tallest peaks on all seven continents. Her inspiring journey from a modest background to the world’s highest summit has won the admiration of many, not only for her physical endurance but also for the humility and warmth she continues to show.
Rifiness lives in the Laitkor area of East Khasi Hills, near Shillong, though she was born in Nongthymmai. Her family works hard to make ends meet — her mother runs a small tea shop and her father sells poultry. Despite her growing fame, Rifiness still helps at the stall, serving tea and chatting with customers as she always did.
“The mountains teach us humility,” she said. “Standing on Everest reminded me how small we are. That’s a lesson I want to share with others.”
Her father, Shlurbor Kharmyndai, spoke with pride despite being a man of few words. “It’s a proud moment. I hope she gets a government job soon, but I also want her to keep chasing her dreams.”
Her sister Noury, who helps run the stall, added, “It’s like a dream come true. She worked so hard and deserves every bit of this.”
The Warjri family shares a close bond, often spending their evenings singing and playing the ukulele after a long day’s work.
Rifiness’s journey has not been easy. Meghalaya lacks proper mountaineering infrastructure and funding is scarce, especially for women in sports. But through relentless training, family support, and sheer determination, she pushed through every challenge.
She hopes her story will inspire girls from small towns and working-class families to dream big. “Your background shouldn’t define your future. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible,” she said.
Her achievement has drawn praise from across the country. Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma awarded her a cash prize, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed her as a symbol of India’s determined youth. The Department of Mineral Resources also honoured her, accepting a piece of rock she brought back from Everest as a tribute to her home state.
Looking ahead, Rifiness has her sights set on the “Seven Summits” challenge — climbing the highest peaks on every continent, including Denali, Kilimanjaro, and Vinson Massif. But for now, she’s focused on completing her BSc, which she paused during her intense training.
Her message is clear: no matter where you start, you can rise to great heights — one step at a time.
