In a momentous achievement that has sparked celebrations across Tripura, 28-year-old Aritra Roy from Badharghat, Agartala has become the first Bengali youth from the state to successfully summit Mount Everest. Roy reached the world’s highest peak, standing at 29,035 feet, on Monday, May 19, at 7:31 AM Nepal time—creating history for his home state.
The historic climb comes exactly 72 years after Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s pioneering ascent on May 29, 1953. At the summit, Roy proudly unfurled Indian tricolor marking a significant milestone not just for himself but for his entire state.
What makes Roy’s achievement even more remarkable is his extraordinary journey to the mountain. On March 16, he embarked on a solo bicycle expedition from Agartala to Everest Base Camp, pedaling through challenging terrain including Jalpaiguri and enduring fierce storms along the way. This grueling journey served as both physical conditioning and a testament to his exceptional determination.
As part of his acclimatization process, Roy successfully scaled Mount Lobuche, a challenging 20,100-foot peak in Nepal’s Himalayas, just one day before his final push to Everest’s summit. This critical preparatory climb demonstrated his readiness for the ultimate challenge that awaited him.
The final ascent tested Roy’s limits as he navigated treacherous conditions including the notorious Khumbu Icefall, the steep Lhotse Face, and the oxygen-scarce Death Zone. Despite subzero temperatures, powerful storms, and fierce winds, his unwavering focus carried him to the top of the world.
Veteran mountaineer Pranab Akhanda, a respected figure in Tripura’s adventure community, expressed pride in Roy’s accomplishment: “Aritra is a source of immense pride and affection for Tripura. His courage and determination are an inspiration to us all. We prayed for his success, and now we pray for his safe return.”
Roy’s personal story adds another dimension to his achievement. As the elder son of the late football coach Sanjay Roy and Kakali Roy, his journey represents not just personal ambition but the fulfillment of a dream that carried the hopes of his family and community.
News of Roy’s triumph spread rapidly across Tripura, igniting celebrations throughout the state. Social media platforms flooded with congratulatory messages, with many hailing him as a “hero of Tripura” and a “trailblazer for the youth.” Community leaders, schools, and local organizations joined in honoring his accomplishment, with many calling for a grand reception upon his return.
