On November 28, Kaamya’s South Pole expedition will officially be launched by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner (BMC) chief Bhushan Gagrani at the iconic Penguin Enclosure at the Byculla Zoo
Kaamya Karthikeyan is a mountaineering prodigy. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Kaamya Karthikeyan, celebrated as the youngest female climber in the world to complete the Seven Summits, is now setting her sights on a new frontier—the South Pole.
At just 16, she made history by summiting Mt. Everest and completing the Seven Summits challenge. She is now determined to become the youngest person globally to achieve the Explorers’ Grand Slam, a feat that includes scaling the tallest peaks on all seven continents and skiing to both the North and South Poles.
South Pole expedition to be flagged off in Mumbai
On Friday, November 28, 2025, Kaamya’s South Pole expedition will officially be launched by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner (BMC) chief Bhushan Gagrani at the iconic Penguin Enclosure at the Byculla Zoo.
The ceremony will mark the beginning of Kaamya’s journey to Antarctica, where she will embark on a 120-kilometre ski traverse as part of her larger goal to complete the Explorers' Grand Slam by April 2026.
The flag-off event is expected to be attended by notable personalities and fellow adventurers, all of whom celebrate Kaamya’s courage and dedication to pushing the limits of human exploration. Her journey represents more than just an adventure—it is a powerful message that Indian girls are breaking stereotypes and achieving the impossible.
Kaamya’s Message to the World: No dream is too big
Through her Mission SAHAS, Kaamya has become a beacon of inspiration for youth worldwide, demonstrating that no goal is too ambitious and no dream too far-reaching.
Eighteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan, daughter of Commander S. Karthikeyan of the Indian Navy and a student at Shiv Nadar University, Noida, is a mountaineering prodigy. In December 2024, she unfurled the Tricolour on the summit of the highest peak in Antarctica, completing the Seven Summits challenge at just 17 years of age. She is also the youngest Indian and the second youngest girl globally to summit Mt. Everest from the Nepal side at 16 years of age.
Kaamya now aims to become the youngest person in the world to complete the Explorers’ Grand Slam, with both remaining challenges—the North and South Poles—scheduled for completion by April 2026, at 18 years and nine months, surpassing the current record by over two years.
The South Pole expedition
Kaamya will travel to Punta Arenas in Chile, the last stop of civilisation, from where a charted flight will take adventurers to Antarctica on 18 December. They will land on the Blue Ice Runway of Union Glacier. The expedition team of seven skiers will then take another five-hour flight to 89° South, from where their 12-day ski traverse will begin. Kaamya will cover 120 km, pulling a 60 kg sled carrying all expedition logistics before reaching the South Pole.
Social impact and recognition
Through Mission SAHAS, Kaamya has reaffirmed that Indian girls are breaking stereotypes and becoming trendsetters. Her journey has received wide coverage in print, broadcast, and television media, inspiring millions. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her in Mann Ki Baat, encouraging Indians to embrace adventure. Kaamya has also received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar, the highest national award for citizens under 18, along with numerous other accolades for youth empowerment and adventure.
Awards and felicitations
2020: Mention in Mann Ki Baat by the Prime Minister
2021: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar; Merit Certificate from Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, WNC; Felicitation by Chief Minister of Maharashtra
2022: Commendation Medal by Director General, National Cadet Corps
2023: Women Achiever’s Award (Arya Group of Colleges); Global Kids Achievers Award
2024: Invited as State Guest for Republic Day Parade; Felicitation by the Prime Minister of Nepal on Everest Day; Felicitations by Governor of Maharashtra, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu; Commendation Medal by Chief of Naval Staff; Star Icon of India – Kalam Nambikkai Virudugal
2025: Invited for President’s Reception (26 Jan); Future Female Forward Icon by CNBC TV18; National Youth Icon Award by Hi-Tech Group; Rotary International Vishwa Shikar Seva Ratna at DISCON 25; Woman Achiever Award (Inner Wheel Club of Mumbai); Felicitation by National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research; Jagdish Nanavati Award (The Himalayan Club); Tenzing Norgay Excellence Award at Himalayan Conclave; Community Star Award (RBL Bank); Sports Excellence Award 2025 (Calcutta Chamber of Commerce); Young Achievers Award 2025 (Rotary Club of Madras East)
Kaamya has also been invited as a speaker at numerous national and international events, TV shows, and forums, championing youth empowerment, adventure, and the narrative of a progressive India.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
