Mrudgandha Dixit
Niha Parveen Ghaus Attar, of Tasgoan, Maharashtra, has achieved the incredible feat of scaling the 'Kalsubai' peak and trekking through 'Sandhan Valley', the second-deepest valley in Asia, soon after beating cancer.
She was working as a teacher in Tasgaon when, at the age of 26, she was diagnosed with cancer.
Niha says, "That time was physically and mentally extremely difficult. I didn't even know whether I would come out of it alive or not. But back then, only one determination ignited in my heart: that I had to rise afresh."
In this battle against cancer, her mother stood by her side like a rock.
Defying societal norms for girls, Niha completed her education and chose her own path. She says her mother has played a great role in shaping her life. "When no one was with me, she supported and brought me this far. This year has been full of struggles for us. While fighting cancer, I also lost my beloved grandmother... But, recovering from all this, I could reach that peak today.
Niha is not a trained trekker, nor did she dream of scaling mountains and peaks. It was during her radiation therapy for cancer treatment that a distant cousin added her to a WhatsApp group named 'Bhramanti Explorers and Trekkers'.
Initially, she didn't go on any treks. But after seeing the beautiful pictures of nature and reading the amazing experiences of the people in the group, she started feeling, "If I have to forget the past and start life afresh, this could be the perfect way."
After a prolonged and exhausting treatment for almost a year and a half, she stepped out of her house for the first time for a short trek to Bhudargad and Tamashachakhadak!
That first experience was quite a revelation for her. She says, "Going on that trip made me feel genuinely very fresh. I met new people there. They were not weighing me on any scales. No one there knew that I was sick. Basically, I didn't want anyone's sympathy, and there I could live an absolutely 'normal' life just like everyone else." It was from here, in the truest sense, that her dialogue with nature and herself began.
"We Didn't Go to the ICU Bed by Choice, But to Kalsubai..."
Finally, Niha made the daring decision to conquer the 'Kalsubai' peak, known as the 'Everest of Maharashtra', 1646 meters above sea level. Due to her cancer treatments, she still has many dietary restrictions. For this reason, her family was worried about her mission.
They had no idea that Niha's resolve was made of steel.
Her perspective on looking at this journey is philosophical, yet it gives you goosebumps. She says, "I didn't have to face any different kind of struggle on this trek. Compared to the struggle I went through while fighting cancer, this is truly nothing. I had only one clear thought... We didn't go to the ICU bed by our own choice. But we are going to Kalsubai by our own choice. So, we can easily accomplish a task that we have chosen by our own will!
The Wonderful Thrill of Nature and the Night of Fireflies
This thrilling trek began in the wee hours of May 23. On the way, there was dense fog, biting cold wind, and extreme chill. She also passed through the valley famous for the dance of the fireflies. The scene was like a dream for Niha.
"Just like they show glowing green fireflies in Hindi songs, I always thought that was all computerised (graphics). But when I actually saw that sparkling illumination of nature with my naked eyes, I was completely mesmerised," she says with great enthusiasm.
Watching that rising sun from the highest peak of Kalsubai, Niha felt she had discovered a new meaning to her life. "Life after cancer is much more beautiful. Getting cancer was, in a way, not a bad thing at all; it was actually for my own good—I realised this there. This illness alone taught me how strong I am from the inside," she says.
Not just Kalsubai, she also traversed the 'Sandhan Valley', the second largest and deepest valley in Asia. Navigating through towering rocky cliffs and narrow stony paths with the help of ropes, she personally experienced this hair-raising thrill.
Her expedition was organised by Sangli's 'Bhramanti Explorers and Trekkers' led by Sudarshan Chorge. Sudarshan's words to Niha, "You will definitely be able to do this, you are very strong," gave tremendous strength to her indomitable spirit.
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A total of 14 women, 3 students, and 7 men participated in this adventurous expedition. Along with the trek, a valuable social message of 'Plastic-Free Trekking' was also delivered through this campaign.
The Beginning of a New Life
"I couldn't find the words to express the emotions welling up inside me while conquering this highest peak of Maharashtra. This trek was the beginning of a new life and a new determination for me. I lived that breathtaking view visible from up there. We get life only once, so everyone must live it to the fullest." This simple message given by Niha Attar offers a new ray of hope for living to everyone.
She not only reclaimed the life that cancer tried to snatch away from her, but today, she has elevated that very life straight to the heights of Kalsubai!
