7 Summits Challenge
Every mountaineer in his lifetime waits for the call of “Mountain’s final challenge”, which is known as the 7 Summits Challenge. As the name suggests it is a journey to conquer the 7 highest peaks of 7 continents in the World i.e. Asia- Mt. Everest, South America-Mt. Aconcagua, North America- Mt Denali, Africa-Mt. Kilimanjaro, Europe- Mt. Elbrus, Australasia- Mt.Puncak Jaya, Antarctica- Mt Vinson .
After facing quite a few life-threatening encounters in the mountains, it is now time for me to accept the challenge and embark on my journey, starting with Mt Elbrus in Russia in July 2017 and culminating with the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest in 2020.
Climbing for a cause
I have always believed that expeditions like this should be not just about climbing a mountain but also about enabling a social change. With this challenge, I intend to empower 100 under privileged women and dedicate my climbs to them. On this quest I join hands with Aftertaste under the aegis of Avanti Foundation. Aftertaste is a grass roots organisation working with the vision to empower marginalised women with economic independence, exposure and self esteem, using art and craft as a tool.
Aftertaste has transformed women, unskilled in art and craft to skilled artisans and artists in the design of niche handicrafts. Since Aftertaste’s inception, it has generated dignified livelihood opportunities for 22 women in the disadvantaged community of Ambuzwadi in Malwani, Malad (West), Mumbai and impacted 100 beneficiaries (family members). It has built awareness around education, healthcare and financial inclusion in these families. The women’s earnings have led to an increase in the monthly income of their household by 50% to 70%. These women equipped with their knowledge, skills, and confidence now hope to steer their families out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
Aftertaste has a dream to expand its reach to other disadvantaged communities in Mumbai and impact 100 women by 2020. AfterTaste requires tremendous support to expand its exemplary work. With Mt. Elbrus standing at a height of 18,100 above sea level, my endeavor is to make a minimum contribution towards this cause, equivalent to 10 times the height of Mt. Elbrus. AfterTaste’s name and logo will appear in presentations at public speaking engagements, social media posts and the Expedition’s Final Slideshow, thus creating awareness about AfterTaste.
Impact
Your contribution will help me move one step closer to accomplishing my dream of conquering the 7 summits and making a difference in the process. The cost to run an Elbrus expedition is over INR 3.5 Lakhs. In my endeavour to climb Elbrus, I have already been able to raise half the funds. The money raised from this campaign will be instrumental in the expedition to Mt.Elbrus. Of the Funds raised, I make a minimum commitment of 50% towards AfterTaste.
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