A file picture of Binita Soren and Meghlal Mahto at Tatanagar station after their Everest conquest

Where there is hard work, there is hope.

None other than the chief minister himself has assured government jobs to Binita Soren and Meghlal Mahto, the hinterland heroes who scaled Mount Everest on May 26.

Though the duo have decent college degrees — she’s an economics graduate from Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial College, Karandih, and he is an economics postgraduate from Jamshedpur Cooperative College — they had been in employment queue ever since they aced the world’s tallest peak.

The youths had met many a political leader and sports outfit in Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan over the past month seeking jobs, but in vain. Finally, on Tuesday, they reached Arjun Munda’s Ranchi residence along with mentor and India’s first woman Everester Bachendri Pal.

Bachendri, who also heads the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation, said Munda was delighted to meet the climbers and asked them not to worry. “Impressed with Binita and Meghlal’s achievement, the CM said he would initiate steps to offer them jobs in his government. He has asked for their CVs soon,” she said.

During their 25-minute tête-à-tête with the chief minister, Bachendri told Munda how the youths had trekked an arduous route across cracked glaciers and through sleet and wind. “I explained to the CM the risks and difficulties involved in any Everest expedition and why it was important for the state government to recognise the feat of Binita and Meghlal,” the ace climber, who has deservedly earned the sobriquet of mountain maiden, said.

Bachendri cited how the Haryana government recognised Everest conquerors. “Climber Mamta Sodha was absorbed as a deputy superintendent of police and Kapil, who scaled the peak with our team, was promoted as a police inspector. This is how a government must felicitate achievers,” she said.

Twenty-five-year-old Binita was simply happy to have had audience with Munda. “CM se mil kar bahut achcha laga. Main kaam ki talash mein hun. Unse bahut umeedey hain. (I felt glad to meet the CM. I am searching for a job. My hopes are pinned on him),” she said.

Meghlal echoed Binita. “After meeting the CM, I am hopeful of getting a government job. We may no longer have to run from pillar to post to earn a decent living,” the 30-year-old said.

As of now, Binita and Meghlal work as instructors during the outdoor leadership camps conducted by the Tata Adventure Foundation in the Garhwal Himalayas.