Anita Soren

Jamshedpur, April 11: From wading through the sands of Thar to crossing the border at the barren Karakoram pass, Anita Soren has come a long way to now set her eyes on the world’s tallest free-standing mountain rise, Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania.

The 23-year-old poor tribal from adjoining Seraikela will be accompanying an all-woman expedition squad to scale the Kilimanjaro on June 16.

“It is a maiden offshore expedition of women, which includes some homemakers,” said Bachendri Pal, the chief of adventure programmes of Tata Steel. “We have already selected the women and finalised the schedule. Anita is one among them.”

The logistics are still being worked out with a Tanzania-based travel agent of Indian origin.

According to Pal, the first Indian woman to scale Mt Everest, Anita, the only tribal in the group, has had her basic mountaineering training from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (Uttar Kashi) with grade A. Besides, she’s also done the advanced course in mountaineering. Pal said she was happy Anita could make it to the squad.

Anita was very keen to head for Kilimanjaro. “Climbing has always been my passion. I scaled small hills near my village. I am thankful to madam (Pal) for guiding me. She’s the one who encouraged me to become a climber. I am looking forward to the adventure,” Anita said with a smile.

The youngster was also a part of the all-woman expedition to Karakoram Pass in 2005 and Thar Desert last year.

Tata Steel Adventure Foundation encourages rural boys and girls to undertake adventure programmes organised by it. The steel major also steps in with necessary support by sponsoring the rurals, most of whom being tribals.

The Tata Steel Rural Development Society has decided to sponsor a trip to the Himalayan ranges for a group of tribal boys from West Bokaro and fringe areas of the steel city.

The Kilimanjaro expedition is being organised by Tata Steel to commemorate the company’s centenary year. It is also sponsoring the trip.