Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Jabalpur-based woman constable Varsha Patel has created history by scaling Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, while balancing her responsibilities as a police personnel.
Varsha, a constable with the Madhya Pradesh Police, reached the summit at 9.07 am on August 21, 2026. Standing at an altitude of around 18,510 feet, she unfurled the Indian Tricolour and the Madhya Pradesh Police flag.
Her achievement reflects her determination and discipline, qualities she has carried from her police service to her mountaineering journey.
Varsha, daughter of Gauri Shankar Patel, lives in Jabalpur’s Garha area. She has been interested in sports and mountaineering since childhood.
FP Photo
Before pursuing mountaineering, she was a national-level baseball player and won more than 10 medals at national competitions.
Her journey from the sports field to mountain peaks has now taken her to one of the world’s highest summits. She aims to carry the Indian flag to some of the highest peaks across the globe.
In 2024, Varsha scaled Mount Kosciuszko, the highest peak in mainland Australia. She became the first woman constable from the Madhya Pradesh Police to unfurl the Indian flag there. With her Mount Elbrus feat, she has now climbed the highest peaks on two continents.
FP Photo
FP Photo
FP Photo
The Mount Elbrus expedition began on August 11. The team faced strong winds, extreme cold and unfavourable weather conditions during the climb. The final summit attempt was delayed for several days due to poor weather.
After conditions improved on August 20 and August 21, the team began its final climb. Despite freezing temperatures, strong winds and challenging high-altitude conditions in Russia, Varsha successfully reached the summit.
She described the achievement as a proud moment for herself, the country and the Madhya Pradesh Police.
Varsha now aims to complete the Seven Summits challenge by climbing the highest mountain on each continent. Her next target is Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
