CISF Sub-Inspector Geeta Samota has etched her name in history as the first member of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to summit Mount Everest, achieving this milestone on May 19, 2025. This achievement is the culmination of her ambitious ‘seven summits’ dream, which began in 2019.
Samota’s journey from a small village in Rajasthan to the highest peak on Earth, overcoming personal hardships and professional challenges, is a source of immense national pride and inspiration, particularly for women in India’s paramilitary forces. Her dedication and resilience have been praised by CISF officials and the broader public.
From Chak Village to the Summit: A Journey of Determination
Born and raised in Chak village in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, Geeta Samota’s early life was rooted in simplicity and hard work. Growing up in a modest family as one of five sisters, Geeta often reflected on the lack of stories celebrating women’s achievements in her community.
This sparked a quiet determination within her to make a difference and become a role model. In her college years, she excelled as a hockey player, but an unfortunate injury put an end to her sporting aspirations. Undeterred, Geeta channeled her energy into public service, joining the CISF in 2011.
Seeking new challenges, she soon found her passion in mountaineering, a field that was relatively uncharted within the CISF at the time. In 2015, Geeta’s dedication earned her a spot in the basic mountaineering course at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) institute in Auli, Uttarakhand, where she stood out as the only woman in her batch.
Her exceptional performance led to advanced training in 2017, marking her as the first CISF officer to complete such rigorous preparation.
Conquering Peaks and Breaking Barriers
Geeta Samota’s mountaineering odyssey began in earnest in 2019, when she became the first woman from any Central Armed Police Force to summit Mount Satopanth in Uttarakhand and Mount Lobuche in Nepal. Despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued her relentless pursuit, setting her sights on the ‘seven summits.’
Over the course of just six months and 27 days between 2021 and early 2022, she conquered Mount Kosciuszko (Australia), Mount Elbrus (Russia), Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), and Mount Aconcagua (Argentina), becoming the fastest Indian woman to achieve this feat. Moreover, she set a national record by scaling five peaks in the remote Rupshu region of Ladakh in just three days.
The crowning achievement of her journey came on May 19, 2025, when she stood atop Mount Everest, realizing her long-held dream. Throughout her climbs, Geeta faced extreme weather conditions, altitude sickness, and the inherent risks of mountaineering, but her unwavering spirit and meticulous preparation allowed her to overcome every obstacle. CISF officials, including the Director General, have celebrated her accomplishment as a testament to the strength, resilience, and increasing representation of women in the force.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Geeta Samota’s extraordinary journey from a small village in Rajasthan to the summit of Mount Everest is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of perseverance, opportunity, and unwavering self-belief. Her story challenges societal norms and serves as an inspiration for women and girls across India, demonstrating that with determination and support, no dream is too high to reach.
The CISF’s recognition and celebration of Geeta’s achievement underscore the evolving role of women in India’s security forces and the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive environments where talent can thrive. As we applaud Geeta’s remarkable accomplishment, we must ask ourselves: How can we further empower and encourage women to break barriers, pursue their passions, and lead in all fields of endeavor?
