In December 2022, trekkers scaling the tranquil Dzuko Valley set amidst the highlands of Nagaland were treated to a fascinating sight. A group of girls could be seen cheering one among them as she trudged on. Closer inspection would reveal that their encouragement was directed towards a woman with an injured knee.
The virgin landscape boasts a challenging steep climb and Meenakshi Singh was unsure whether her knee could bear the brunt of the terrain. When she was inclined to back out, the girls wouldn’t hear of it; amping her positivity with every step she took.
Articulating this “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, Meenakshi says the girls in her group never gave up on her. “They almost pulled me half-way! One of them was carrying my bag, another giving me water at every few stops, and eventually, we made it to the finish point,” she shares.
As the group gathered around their hero, it was evident that this was a collective win. Cold water was relished at the top…