Children of Pourakarmikas and Elephant Caretakers Conquer Mt. Kuari Top: A Historic May Day Celebration

A Triumph of Resilience and Unity

On May 1, 2025, a group of children from marginalized communities in Mysuru, Karnataka, etched their names in history by summiting the 13,989-foot Mt. Kuari Top in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas. The 24-member team, comprising children of pourakarmikas (municipal sanitation workers), mahouts (elephant caretakers), and forest beat guards, celebrated International Workers’ Day at the peak, marking a symbolic tribute to their parents’ labor and their own indomitable spirit. Organized under the Junoon 2025 initiative by the Tiger Adventure Foundation of Mysuru, the expedition faced daunting challenges, including treacherous weather and geopolitical tensions following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, the trekkers’ success, supported by organizations like Ladies Circle India and Diya Foundation, stands as a testament to the power of collective effort and the potential of underprivileged youth to achieve extraordinary feats. This blog explores the expedition’s journey, its significance, the participants’ stories, and the broader implications for social empowerment and adventure in India.

The Expedition: A Journey Against the Odds

The Junoon 2025 expedition began on April 23, 2025, when the team of 24 trekkers departed Mysuru for Uttarakhand, a region renowned for its rugged Himalayan trails. The group was diverse, including eight children of pourakarmikas, two mahouts responsible for Mysuru’s famed Dasara elephants, two forest beat guards, two girls sponsored for academic excellence by Shashwath Seva Samaj School, three other boys, and four housewives from Mysuru and Bengaluru. Led by veteran adventure enthusiast D.S.D. Solanki, alongside organizers Anil Kumar, a lecturer at Marimallappa’s Pre-University College, and Devendra Tiwari from Ujjain, the expedition aimed to empower youth from marginalized backgrounds through the transformative experience of mountaineering.

Mt. Kuari, standing at 4,263 meters, is a challenging climb, known for its steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Dronagiri. The trek, part of the Kuari Pass route, is popular among seasoned adventurers but posed unique difficulties for the young team, many of whom had never ventured beyond Karnataka’s plains. The expedition unfolded against a tense backdrop: a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, had escalated India-Pakistan tensions, leading to flight cancellations that later stranded the team in Amritsar. Despite assurances that Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region was safe, the geopolitical climate added an emotional weight to the journey.

The team’s ascent culminated on May 1, International Workers’ Day, when they reached the summit at 12:25 pm. The moment was historic, as Solanki noted it was likely the first time children of pourakarmikas, mahouts, and forest guards had summited a Himalayan peak together. At the top, the trekkers unfurled banners celebrating their parents’ contributions to society—sanitation workers who keep cities clean, mahouts who preserve cultural traditions, and guards who protect India’s forests. The group sang patriotic songs, shared stories of their struggles, and planted a flag symbolizing their unity and resilience. For these young climbers, the summit was not just a physical achievement but a powerful statement of their potential to rise above societal barriers.

The Participants: Stories of Grit and Aspiration

The trekkers’ backgrounds reflect the challenges faced by India’s working-class communities, making their achievement all the more remarkable. Pourakarmikas, often from Scheduled Castes and Tribes, endure low wages, hazardous conditions, and social stigma despite their essential role in urban sanitation. In Karnataka, their struggles have been well-documented: a 2024 heatwave highlighted their lack of clean water and toilets, increasing risks of heat-related illnesses, while a 2019 protest demanded streamlined payments and benefits. The children of these workers, often first-generation learners, face economic hardship and limited opportunities, yet their participation in Junoon 2025 showcased their ambition and courage.

Among the pourakarmika children was 16-year-old Lakshmi, whose mother sweeps Bengaluru’s streets. Lakshmi, a Class 10 student, trained for months to prepare for the trek, balancing schoolwork with physical conditioning. “My mother works in the sun and rain to keep the city clean,” she said at a post-expedition event in Mysuru. “This climb was for her and all pourakarmikas who are never thanked.” Her story resonated with teammates like Ravi, a 17-year-old son of a forest guard, who spoke of his father’s long nights patrolling Nagarahole’s jungles to protect wildlife. “I wanted to show that we, the children of workers, can do big things,” Ravi declared.

The mahouts’ children, raised in the shadow of Mysuru’s Dasara festival, brought a unique perspective. Their parents care for elephants like those at the Sakrebailu camp, a demanding job that blends tradition with physical risk, as seen in a 2025 incident where a caretaker was injured by a wild tusker. Anil, an 18-year-old whose father trains Dasara elephants, described the trek as a way to honor his family’s legacy. “Our elephants are Karnataka’s pride, but my father’s work is rarely recognized. Standing on Mt. Kuari felt like I was carrying his strength with me,” he said.

The two girls sponsored by Shashwath Seva Samaj School, Priya and Sowmya, added academic excellence to the team’s diversity. Both 15, they earned their spots through top grades, proving that intellectual and physical prowess can go hand-in-hand. The housewives, ranging from 30 to 45 years old, brought maturity and encouragement, acting as mentors to the younger climbers. Their inclusion highlighted the expedition’s ethos: that adventure transcends age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Challenges on the Trail: Weather, Stranding, and Resolve

The journey to Mt. Kuari was fraught with obstacles. The Himalayan spring brought erratic weather, with freezing nights and sudden snow flurries testing the team’s endurance. Many trekkers, unaccustomed to high altitudes, battled fatigue and breathlessness, yet their training—months of fitness drills and mock treks in Mysuru’s Chamundi Hills—proved invaluable. Solanki, with decades of Himalayan experience, guided the group through technical sections, teaching them to navigate icy patches and rocky terrain.

Logistical challenges loomed large. After reaching the summit, the team’s return was disrupted when flights from Amritsar were canceled due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor, India’s missile strikes on terrorist targets in May 2025. Stranded for two days, the trekkers relied on the Tiger Adventure Foundation’s network to secure ground transport back to Mysuru, arriving on May 8. The ordeal tested their patience but strengthened their camaraderie, with the group sharing meals and stories in Amritsar’s gurdwaras while awaiting travel arrangements.

The expedition’s success owed much to its supporters. Ladies Circle India and Diya Foundation provided funding, while 175 individual donors, including professionals and philanthropists from across India, contributed to cover costs like gear, travel, and guides. The collaborative effort underscored the growing recognition of adventure as a tool for social empowerment, particularly for marginalized youth.

Significance: A Celebration of Labor and Potential

The choice of May Day for the summit was deliberate, aligning with the global celebration of workers’ contributions. For the children of pourakarmikas, mahouts, and forest guards, the climb was a tribute to their parents’ often-unseen labor. Pourakarmikas, despite recent gains like salary hikes from ₹7,000 to ₹17,000 and promises of regularization by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in April 2025, face ongoing challenges, including caste-based discrimination and inadequate safety gear. Mahouts and forest guards, meanwhile, work in high-risk environments, with incidents like the 2025 death of a calf at Sakrebailu camp highlighting the physical and emotional toll of their roles.

By summiting Mt. Kuari, the trekkers challenged stereotypes about their communities. The expedition, dubbed a “first-ever summit” of such a group by Solanki, shattered the notion that adventure sports are the preserve of the privileged. It also highlighted the potential of youth from underserved backgrounds to excel when given opportunities. Priya, one of the sponsored students, articulated this at a Mysuru welcome ceremony: “People think pourakarmikas’ children can only sweep streets. We showed we can climb mountains.”

The trek also carried cultural weight. Mysuru, a city steeped in tradition, is known for its Dasara elephants and commitment to civic cleanliness, roles embodied by the trekkers’ parents. The expedition bridged these local identities with a national stage, as the Himalayan summit drew attention to Karnataka’s unsung heroes. Social media posts on X captured the public’s awe, with one user writing, “Children of pourakarmikas and mahouts on Mt. Kuari? This is what India’s future looks like!” Another post in Kannada hailed the “historic achievement,” reflecting regional pride.

Community and Official Reactions

The trekkers’ return to Mysuru on May 8 was met with jubilation. A ceremony at Marimallappa’s Pre-University College, co-organized by the Tiger Adventure Foundation, saw local leaders, educators, and families honor the team. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, whose government has championed pourakarmikas’ rights, sent a congratulatory message, calling the expedition “a shining example of Karnataka’s youth breaking barriers.” Mysuru’s Deputy Commissioner, present at the event, pledged support for future such initiatives, citing their role in fostering social inclusion.

The pourakarmika community, often marginalized, expressed immense pride. The Karnataka Rajya Pourakarmikas’ Mahasangha, which has advocated for workers’ rights since the 1990s, issued a statement lauding the children’s feat. “Our work keeps cities alive, but our children are showing the world we are more than our jobs,” said president Mysore Narayana. Mahouts from the Sakrebailu and Mattigodu elephant camps, where World Elephant Day is celebrated annually, echoed this sentiment, with one caretaker noting, “Our elephants carry kings; our children carry our dreams.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the state’s opposition, also praised the expedition, with MLA Suresh Kumar calling it “a victory for India’s underprivileged youth.” The bipartisan support reflected the universal appeal of the trekkers’ story, which transcended political divides. On X, posts ranged from celebratory—“Mysuru’s kids make history in the Himalayas!”—to reflective, with one user urging, “Let’s fund more treks for kids like these instead of elite sports.” The sentiment underscored a growing call for equitable access to adventure and education.

Historical Context: Empowering the Marginalized

The Junoon 2025 expedition builds on a legacy of initiatives to uplift pourakarmikas and other workers in Karnataka. In 2020, BBMP pourakarmikas marched in Bengaluru’s Republic Day parade, a first that highlighted their role in cleanliness campaigns. In 2013, the Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness organized a “Pourakarmika Day,” where students thanked sanitation workers with cards and flowers, challenging societal disdain for their profession. More recently, Siddaramaiah’s April 2025 announcement to regularize 12,000 pourakarmikas’ jobs and provide cashless health cards marked significant progress, though issues like delayed salaries and unsafe conditions persist.

For mahouts and forest guards, recognition has been slower. The 2020 World Elephant Day at Mattigodu camp celebrated their role in conservation, but incidents like the 2025 calf death at Sakrebailu underscore the risks they face. The Junoon expedition, by including their children, brought rare visibility to these communities, aligning with broader efforts to honor India’s frontline workers, as seen in 2020 when pourakarmikas were feted as Covid warriors during Independence Day.

The trek also reflects India’s growing adventure culture. Mysuru, with its proximity to the Western Ghats and organizations like the Tiger Adventure Foundation, has nurtured trekking and conservation for decades. Solanki, a veteran of Himalayan expeditions, has led similar treks for underprivileged youth, but Junoon 2025’s scale and diversity set a new benchmark. The involvement of women—both the housewives and young girls—further aligns with India’s push for gender equity in sports, echoing achievements like Bachendri Pal’s 1984 Everest climb.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its success, the expedition faced scrutiny. Some questioned the safety of sending young, inexperienced trekkers to a high-altitude peak, especially amid geopolitical tensions. A parent of one trekker expressed concern about the lack of real-time updates during the Amritsar stranding, urging better communication protocols. Others argued that the funds—raised from 175 donors—could have been used for education or healthcare, given the trekkers’ economic backgrounds. “Climbing mountains is inspiring, but what about their school fees?” read an X post, reflecting this debate.

Logistical critiques also emerged. The absence of professional mountaineers in the organizing team, relying instead on Solanki’s experience, raised questions about risk management. The Himalayan weather, which turned harsh during the ascent, exposed the team to hypothermia risks, though no injuries were reported. The stranding in Amritsar, while resolved, highlighted the vulnerability of such expeditions to external disruptions, particularly in a year marked by India’s military actions.

Defenders of the trek, including the Tiger Adventure Foundation, countered that the experience was transformative, offering lessons in resilience, teamwork, and self-belief that no classroom could replicate. Anil Kumar, the co-organizer, noted that the trekkers returned with newfound confidence, with several expressing ambitions to pursue higher education or careers in adventure sports. The inclusion of housewives, who mentored the youth, was also praised for fostering intergenerational bonding, a rare feature in such expeditions.

Broader Implications: Adventure as Empowerment

The Mt. Kuari summit carries profound implications for social and cultural change in India:

• Social Inclusion: By centering marginalized youth, the expedition challenges caste and class barriers, proving that adventure can be a great equalizer. It aligns with Karnataka’s efforts to dignify pourakarmikas’ work, as seen in Siddaramaiah’s 2025 pledge to treat their services as “sacred.”
• Youth Empowerment: The trek showcases the potential of underprivileged youth when given resources and mentorship. Lakshmi’s aspiration to become a teacher and Ravi’s interest in conservation reflect how such experiences can shape career paths.
• Cultural Pride: The expedition elevates Mysuru’s identity as a hub of tradition and adventure, linking the labor of pourakarmikas and mahouts to Karnataka’s global image. It also highlights India’s Himalayan heritage, encouraging domestic tourism.
• Policy Advocacy: The trek’s visibility could spur government support for adventure programs for marginalized groups. The Karnataka government, which funds foreign tours for pourakarmikas, might expand such initiatives to include youth treks, as suggested by the Deputy Commissioner.
• Gender Equity: The presence of female trekkers and organizers reinforces the need for women’s inclusion in adventure sports, a field still male-dominated in India. Priya and Sowmya’s success could inspire more girls to take up outdoor challenges.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making

As of May 14, 2025, the Junoon 2025 expedition continues to inspire. The Tiger Adventure Foundation plans to make the trek an annual event, with Solanki announcing a 2026 expedition to another Himalayan peak, potentially Roopkund or Kedartal. The foundation is also compiling a documentary on the Mt. Kuari climb, featuring interviews with the trekkers and footage of their summit moment, to be screened in Mysuru schools to motivate students. Fundraising efforts are underway to support the trekkers’ education, with Ladies Circle India committing scholarships for Lakshmi, Priya, and Sowmya.

The Karnataka government, buoyed by the expedition’s success, is exploring adventure grants for pourakarmika and mahout children, potentially integrating such programs into its Pourakarmika Gruha Bhagya Yojana housing scheme. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing a May 10 event, hinted at a state-sponsored trek for civic workers’ families, calling it “a way to honor their labor through their children’s dreams.” The proposal has sparked interest on X, with users suggesting similar initiatives in other states like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, where sanitation workers face similar challenges.

For the trekkers, the journey has been life-changing. Anil, the mahout’s son, is training to become a trek guide, inspired by Solanki’s mentorship. Ravi has applied for a forestry diploma, hoping to follow his father’s path while advocating for conservation. The housewives, energized by the climb, are forming a women’s trekking club in Mysuru, aiming to take more mothers and daughters to the hills. These ripple effects underscore the expedition’s role in planting seeds of ambition and community.

The Mt. Kuari summit is more than a mountaineering milestone—it’s a beacon of hope for India’s marginalized youth. In a nation where caste and poverty often dictate destiny, the children of pourakarmikas, mahouts, and forest guards have shown that the highest peaks are within reach. As Mysuru celebrates their return, the Himalayas stand as a reminder of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination. The Junoon 2025 trekkers have not just climbed a mountain—they’ve moved one, paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps.