T’gana youth climbs Manipur’s highest peak to combat drug abuse, betting

Imphal

A 20-year-old mountaineer from Telangana, Bhukya Yashwanth, recently scaled Mount Iso (also known as Mount Tempu) in Manipur’s Senapati district to raise awareness against drug abuse and betting apps. A B.Com student, Yashwanth embarked on this mission as part of a broader campaign to tackle the rising issues of addiction and financial losses due to betting apps.

In the past 10 days, Yashwanth has also conquered Betlingchhip (Thaidawr), the highest peak in Tripura, and Mount Gorichen in Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking about his motivation, he shared, I was deeply moved by the growing number of people across the country falling into the trap of betting apps and drugs, which ruin lives and families. I want to use my passion for mountaineering to spread awareness about these harmful vices.

Yashwanth was accompanied by two officers of the Assam Rifles during his climb of Mount Iso. He expressed gratitude for their support, calling it a memorable and inspiring experience. He also shared that his ongoing campaign, Har Shikar Par Tiranga, aims to hoist the national flag atop every state’s highest peak.

With Mount Iso reaching nearly 3,000 meters, Yashwanth found the steep terrain and cold weather challenging but manageable. He plans to summit the highest peaks in Mizoram next and hopes to complete his climb of all northeastern states soon. Having started mountaineering at 16, Yashwanth previously climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2021.

His mission, he says, is about choosing health, purpose, and integrity over shortcuts and distractions.