What does one do when their dreams are repeatedly shattered for five consecutive years, with no fault of their own? Wouldn't the weight of the world feel unbearable when a person, poised to set a new world record, finds their aspirations dashed by geopolitical turmoil?
However, Satyarup Siddhanta embodies a different mindset. He simply refuses to surrender.
From a young age, Satyarup battled severe asthma. Even running a mere 100 meters without an inhaler seemed an insurmountable challenge. Climbing mountains appeared to be an impossible dream. Yet, today, Satyarup stands not only as a conqueror of Mount Everest but also as the youngest person globally and the first Indian to scale the highest peaks and volcanoes across seven continents. He has skied the last degree to the South Pole, conquered challenging peaks in the Indian Himalayas, and much more.
When his North Pole expedition scheduled for 2019 was cancelled, Satyarup didn't succumb to despair. He patiently awaited the next opportunity. However, in 2020 and 2021, the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of his expeditions. In 2022, geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia threatened global stability. Climate change foiled his plans yet again in 2023, with the North Pole expedition being called off just days before departure, resulting in substantial financial loss.
Despite these setbacks, Satyarup demonstrated unwavering resilience, resolve, and perseverance—qualities indispensable for any adventurer. Finally, in April 2024, he embarks on the epic North Pole last-degree skiing expedition. His expedition is being supported by Coal India Ltd, with P M Prasad, Chairman cum MD, rightly emphasizing financial support for mountaineers during the Everest Summit program held in August 2023. Apart from this, his expedition has also been supported by CyberPeace Foundation, IIM Ranchi, Favre Leuba, EPA, Reccy, Uniacco, Meraqee, Bengal Heritage Foundation, Citizen for Social Justice, and Manipal Education and Medical Group.
Beginning his journey in Krasnoyarsk, the capital of Siberia, Satyarup will proceed to the remote outpost of Khatanga before boarding a flight to the floating ice base, Barneo. From there, he will be transported further to 89 degrees North. The gruelling skiing endurance test begins from this point, covering an aerial distance of 111 km to reach the North Pole at 90 degrees North. Satyarup will confront howling winds, bone-chilling cold, and the ever-present danger of polar bears—all while pulling a 50 kg sled tied to his waist in temperatures plummeting to -25 degrees Celsius over frozen seas. It is the ultimate trial of mental and physical endurance.
At the apex of the Earth—the North Pole—Satyarup will proudly unfurl our National Flag and sing the National Anthem, a testament to his determination and the spirit of our nation. By accomplishing this feat, Satyarup will cement his place as the first Indian to conquer the Seven Summits, Seven Volcanic Summits, the North Pole, and the South Pole, joining an elite group of adventurers from around the world.
Rajeev Gupta, Founder&Director of the Ideate Inspire Ignite Foundation with his team Kanishka Poddar, Pravin Rajgadia, Shrawan Jajodia, Anup Prasad, and Amit Modi extended heartfelt wishes to Satyarup for this monumental expedition, as he embarks on yet another chapter in his extraordinary journey. After the success of the Everest Summit program held on 20th August 2023 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Everest Summit, the foundation is keen to promote adventure sports among our community in Jharkhand. He said that it is the glory and pride of our country to embark on the North Pole expedition while already completing 7 highest peaks, the South Pole, and 7 volcanic peaks across the seven continents. We wish him all the best for his extraordinary achievement.
