Bhopal: Jyoti Ratre, a 57-year-old mountaineer from Madhya Pradesh, achieved a remarkable feat on May 30 by hoisting the Indian Tricolour atop Pico de Orizaba, North America’s highest volcano and Mexico’s tallest mountain peak. This accomplishment made her the oldest Indian woman to summit that peak and also the oldest Indian woman to unfurl the national flag on the highest volcanoes across three continents.
The Ascent
Ratre, an entrepreneur who supplies uniforms to schools, began her final summit push at 12:42 am local time. After an arduous 10-hour-and-28-minute ascent, she reached the summit at 11:10 am. The climb involved a vertical gain of approximately 1,400 meters in a single effort, a demanding feat for climbers of any age and particularly notable given Ratre’s age.
Challenging Conditions
The expedition tested both endurance and experience. Summit-side temperatures plunged to between -15°C and -18°C, with wind-chill making conditions feel near -20°C. Teams battled fierce winds, icy slopes, glaciers, and volcanic rock en route to the peak.
Ratre noted that the descent was even more challenging than the climb, but the sight of the Tiranga waving on the summit made every hardship worthwhile.
Dedication to Rural Women
“This expedition is dedicated to those rural women who face struggles every single day and yet continue to nurture their families and their dreams with a smile,” Ratre said after the climb. She dedicated her achievement to rural women across India.
This milestone adds to her distinguished mountaineering record, which includes summiting Mount Everest, and underscores her position as an inspiration for women’s empowerment and perseverance.
Recognition and Significance
Her achievement has drawn attention in India, where observers praised the 57-year-old’s resilience and leadership. Mountaineering experts noted that such high-altitude volcanic climbs demand technical skills, acclimatization, and robust physical conditioning, making Ratre’s accomplishment particularly significant at her age.
Broader Initiative
Ratre’s expedition formed part of a broader initiative she calls “From Summit to Strength,” aimed at highlighting the resolve of rural Indian women. She said the climb was intended to spotlight their unrecognized struggles and endurance.
