Pune: 8-Year-Old Pune Girl Scales Africa’s Highest Peak Mount Kilimanjaro With Her Mother, Creates History
Kothrud, 17th June 2025: In a remarkable achievement, an 8-year-old girl from Pune has successfully scaled Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa’s highest peak — alongside her mother, creating history and winning praise from across the country.
Arishka Laddha, a resident of Kothrud, completed the trek with her mother, Dimple Laddha. The duo began their expedition on the morning of June 5 and reached the summit at 9:20 AM on June 11, completing the challenging climb in eight days.
After reaching the summit, the mother-daughter duo paid tribute to the Government of India and the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor, a symbolic gesture that reflects their patriotic spirit.
This isn’t the first time young Arishka has achieved something extraordinary. At the age of just six, she had successfully trekked to the Everest Base Camp with her mother, a feat that, according to her family, made her the youngest Indian girl to complete the journey.
Dimple Laddha is a seasoned marathon runner, cyclist, and trekker who has played a major role in nurturing her daughter’s adventurous spirit. Arishka’s father, Kaustubh Laddha, though not active in sports, has always been supportive of their endeavors.
The Laddha duo’s accomplishment has drawn admiration and applause from across the state and beyond. Many are hailing Arishka as a symbol of courage, determination, and youthful inspiration.
