Tine Mena - My everest dream

My name is Miss Tine Mena, thefirst woman Everester from theSeven Sisters State of the NorthEast India.

I come from a remote village Echali, located in the

remotest corner of India in Dibang Valley District,

ArunachalPradesh.

Way to my home, the road to hidden paradise.

My hobby is riding bikes; I love flying bikeson the highway and I am a smooth rider inthe country terrains. I sing along when Iride.

My Home- my birthplace, the nest cocooned in

the laps of mountains.

My Family, the Pillar of my Strength.

The early days when I worked as a porter

for the Indian Army patrolling along

Indo-China border.

My first experience in mountain expedition,

sponsored by a local NGO, Popu Heritage Foundation

where I got the opportunity as a team leader for the

Kaila Pass Expedition in 2007.

Dr. K.R. Metei, my Mentor, one who

encouraged me to achieve the feat of

conquering the Everest.

A glimpse of the Manipur Mountaineering &

Trekking Association from where I completed

the Adventure Course Training in December

2008.

Awarded the best student/Gold

Medallist among 64 participants

including boys and girls.

Also awarded the best student, gold medallist

2008 for Basic Mountaineering Course,

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute,

Darjeeling.

Back home after receiving trainings & awards

I shared my experience with my native youths

by organising First Mountaineering Adventure

Course in my state.

Pre Everest Expedition to Mount

Kolai, J&K, 2009.

Words of encouragement with best wishes from His Excellency, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh

Retired Gen. J.J Singh on statehood day 2010 for the summit of Mt. Everest.

Successful summit of Mt. Shivling, India’s Most Technical Peak in Uttarakashi.

Silver Medallist in Advance Mountaineering Course from HMI,

Darjeeling.

Pre Everest Expedition of Mt. Lama Wangdi,North Sikkim.

Raising fund for the Everest Expedition throughlabour works such as jungle cutting, makingporter tracks, breaking boulders, selling broomsticks, herbs and vegetables.

From the desk of the Deputy Commissioner,Dibang Valley, Government Staffs and public ofAnini received a financial assistance of Rs.250000 (Two lakhs fifty thousand ).

With only ten days remaining for Everest Expedition I was aboutto give up my Everest dream due to the untimely demise of mymother Lt. Smti. Lone Miyi and the acute financial constrains.The day was saved by the JINDAL STEEL & POWER who donatedan amount of Rs. 15,00,000 (Fifteen lakhs) for the summit fees.

His Excellency the Governor of ArunachalPradesh handing over the “TeamArunachal” Flag to the Team Leader.

A hanging bridge on the way tothe base camp for the summit.

Blessings from the legendary mountaineer, the 21 times EveresterSri Apa Serpa,

Mt. Everest Base Camp 5535 mts,more than 40 different Expeditionsfrom various countries.

Icefall Doctors opening the route at Khumbu Ice fall, the most dangerous zone of Mt. Everest.

Awaiting my turn to cross the ladder in Khumbu glacier.

Tents were destroyed by strong winds& heavy snow falls.

Using oxygen while sleeping at the higher camps.

At South Col, Camp IV heavy wind destroyed all the tents & equipments, but me and my Sherpa luckily found Apa’s tent & survived the night.

The final moment of the climb when I touched thezenith of the world! Yes! I am at the top of the world,my dream fulfilled. The 15 hours struggle was worthevery minute as I stood on the peak at 8848mts,dreamlike, on the day of 9th May 2011 at 10.48 am.

Proudly displaying India’s, ArunachalPradesh and my sponsor JINDAL STEELAND POWER flags.

Our team was received by the Director, Sports & Youth Affairs, Govt. of Arunachal at Katmandu airport.

At the Felicitation by the Explorer Himalaya atKathmandu with a press conference as the 1st

Woman Everester from the Seven Sister State ofthe North East India.

THE JUBILANT TEAM WAS RECEIVED ATTHE STATE BANQUETTE HALL BY HON’BLEC.M. OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH.

Our team was received by the President,Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)at New Delhi, 2011.

We were honoured by Hon’ble M.P. Naveen Jindal at Jindal House, New Delhi

In the Rastrapati Bhawan, with the President ofIndia after the successful expedition.

I dedicate my achievement to all mysupporters without whose moral &financial support my Everest dreamwould have remained a mere dream. Ishall always remain grateful.

THANK YOU ALL