In a proud moment for the Indian Navy and the nation, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), felicitated Ms. Kaamya Karthikeyan, daughter of Commander S Karthikeyan, for her extraordinary mountaineering achievements. The ceremony took place on January 29, 2025, highlighting Kaamya’s indomitable spirit and her status as a young prodigy in the field of mountaineering.
At just 17 years old, Kaamya has completed the prestigious Seven Summits Challenge, becoming the youngest female to scale the highest peaks on all seven continents. Her journey began at the tender age of seven with a trek in Uttarakhand, and her latest achievement was scaling Mt Vinson in Antarctica on December 24, 2024, alongside her father. This feat was confirmed by the Indian Navy, which celebrated this significant milestone on their official X handle, stating, “Kaamya Karthikeyan, Class XII student at Navy Children School, Mumbai, becomes the youngest female to scale the seven highest peaks across seven continents.” The Navy Children School also celebrated her success, calling it a moment of immense pride for the institution.
Admiral Tripathi, who himself has a distinguished career, having served as the 38th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff before ascending to his current role, praised Kaamya’s courage and perseverance, noting that she embodies the core values of the Indian Navy. Her achievements are seen as a beacon of inspiration for the youth, encouraging them to dream big and overcome challenges.
This felicitation not only recognizes Kaamya’s personal triumphs but also underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering and celebrating talent, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative which emphasizes self-reliance, innovation, and nurturing of indigenous talent. The Navy’s involvement in recognizing such achievements reflects its broader mission to motivate and inspire not just within its ranks but across the nation, particularly in encouraging young individuals to push beyond their limits and scale new heights in their respective fields.
Kaamya’s father, Commander S Karthikeyan, is notably a submariner, adding another layer of pride to her accomplishments within the naval community. The Indian Navy’s gesture towards Kaamya serves as a testament to the institution’s role in promoting excellence and the spirit of adventure among the younger generation.
This event marks a significant moment of recognition for young achievers like Kaamya, whose journey from a young trekker to a celebrated mountaineer inspires many to follow in her footsteps and pursue excellence fearlessly.
