LUCKNOW: Currently posted as DIG, ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), north Frontier in Dehradun, Aparna Kumar, IPS officer of the 2002 batch belonging to the UP cadre, scaled Mount Denali in Alaska on Sunday. Not only did she meet the Seven Summit challenge successfully but also became the first IPS officer to complete the feat.
Denali -- the tallest mountain in North America -- is located in Alaska. The mountain’s peak is 6,190 meters above sea level. “It is not only her personal accomplishment but she has brought laurels to the entire police fraternity and ITBP by completing the ‘Seven Summit’ challenge. We are all very happy that a member of the force has achieved this feat,” said ADG, ITBP, RK Mishra.
“Now, only the North Pole is left. She will achieve that also very soon. Her achievement is empowering to all women mountaineers,” added Mishra.
Aparna, who is married to Saharanpur Divisional Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, left India for Mission Denali on June 15 and was expected to reach the summit by July 10 but she was able to complete her expedition before the scheduled time. She braved minus 40-degree temperature coupled with icy winds blowing 250 km/hour.
Aparna Kumar scaled the peak on Sunday in her third attempt after two attempts in 2018 and 2017.
“Aparna has completed the ‘Seven Summit Challenge’ by unfurling the tricolour and flags of ITBP and Uttar Pradesh Police at the summit with pride,” exclaimed the IPS officer's proud husband.
In January, Kumar became the first Indian Police Service and ITBP officer to complete her expedition to the South Pole.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, ITBP and IPS officers association tweeted congratulations to Kumar for her achievement. Her next target is to reach North pole till 2020 and complete the ‘Explorer Grand Slam’ (Seven summits plus North and South poles).