Sikar Daughter Poonam Kanwar Conquers Mount Elbrus Europe Highest Peak

Poonam Kanwar, a courageous daughter of Jhaarli village in the Sikar district of Rajasthan and a dedicated soldier of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), has etched her name in history by successfully conquering Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in the European continent, while on August 21, at exactly 11:45 AM Indian Standard Time, Poonam reached the summit of the 5,642 meter high mountain. Upon reaching the top, she proudly hoisted the Indian National Flag along with the departmental flag of the RPF, marking a moment of immense pride for the entire nation and the force she serves.

The Journey to the Top of Europe

The expedition to Mount Elbrus was a grueling test of physical and mental endurance, while poonam Kanwar began her journey from New Delhi on August 10, setting out with a firm determination to scale the peak located in the Caucasus mountain range of Russia, near the border with Georgia. The entire mission lasted 11 days, during which she faced challenging weather conditions and the thin air of high altitudes. Mount Elbrus is recognized as one of the Seven Summits, representing the highest points on each of the seven continents, making this achievement a significant milestone in the world of mountaineering.

A Hat-Trick of Continental Peaks

This isn't the first time Poonam has brought glory to India. She has already hoisted the tricolor on the highest peaks of two other continents. In the year 2024, she successfully scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, which stands at 19,341 feet. Following this, in 2025, she conquered Mount Kosciuszko, the highest point in Australia, situated at 7,310 feet. With the successful ascent of Mount Elbrus in 2026, she has now completed the summit of the highest peaks in three continents. Her ultimate goal is to conquer the highest peaks of all seven continents, with her biggest dream being to hoist the Indian flag on Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.

From NCC to Professional Mountaineering

Poonam's journey into the world of adventure began during her school days. Her father, Ratan Singh Shekhawat, a retired soldier, shared that Poonam always had a keen interest in sports and National Cadet Corps (NCC) activities. Her disciplined upbringing and military background at home fueled her passion for service and adventure, while in 2014, she joined the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF). Even after joining the force, she continued her training and sports activities. She underwent rigorous commando training and also received specialized training in archery and horse riding. To prepare for international expeditions, she climbed several peaks in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, earning various mountaineering certificates.

An Inspiration for Women

Currently posted in the 16th Battalion of the RPSF in Jaipur and residing in Jhotwara, Poonam Kanwar has become a symbol of women's empowerment. She believes that mountaineering isn't just about reaching the top of a mountain but about sending a message to women everywhere that they're no less than men in any field. Poonam considers Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, an Olympic medalist and Cabinet Minister in the Rajasthan government, as her idol, while she's deeply inspired by his military background and his achievements in the Olympics. According to Poonam, Colonel Rathore has always been a source of encouragement for her mountaineering expeditions, constantly motivating her to reach new heights.