Aparna Kumar's journey to the summit of Mount Everest in 2016 is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Ten years after her historic climb, her husband, Sanjay Kumar, a senior IAS officer, reflected on her challenges and triumphs. Despite facing two failed attempts due to natural disasters, Aparna returned to training with renewed vigor. She acclimatized herself in the Himalayas, preparing for her third expedition from the Tibet side. During this attempt, she encountered a severe stomach infection, which forced her to survive on liquids and khichdi while climbing. Despite rapidly losing weight and energy—over 12 kg during the nearly 45-day expedition—Aparna's mental toughness and discipline propelled her forward. Sanjay Kumar described her summit as a victory of unbreakable resolve, stating that she never allowed adversity to overshadow her determination. Her journey serves as an inspiring example of how faith and resilience can lead to extraordinary achievements.