Two remarkable young ladies were recognized by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce (CCC) for their adventures that had pushed them to the limits of their passion and endurance: one who braved some of the world’s most difficult oceans, and the other who climbed the highest peaks on all seven continents. Everyone in attendance was inspired by the celebration of their bravery, tenacity, and unwavering spirit.

Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, graced the event and presented the CCC Sports Excellence Awards to Ms. Kaamya Karthikeyan, Mountaineer and Skier, and Ms. Sayani Das, Open-Water Swimmer.

Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old student from Mumbai’s Navy Children School, became the world’s youngest woman to climb the Seven Summits. She accomplished the amazing feat of climbing the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. Having been an adventurer since she was a young child, Kaamya accomplished this remarkable achievement on December 24, 2024, when she reached the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica. Her achievement demonstrated her tenacity, fortitude, and love of mountaineering.

Sayani Das, a top-tier open-water swimmer from Kalna, West Bengal, had been swimming competitively for more than ten years. She built on this foundation by moving into channel swimming and ultra-marathon swimming, finishing six of the Seven Oceans Challenge swims held worldwide. Unwavering resolve, fortitude, and a strong bond with the water characterized her adventure. The President of India also presented her with the country’s highest adventure sports honor.

In his keynote speech, West Bengal’s honorable governor, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, commended the recipients for their outstanding accomplishments that have greatly elevated the country’s standing.

“I started my trip at the age of three. Amidst the Sahyadri mountains, in Lonavla, my father served as a lieutenant in the Indian Navy. I kept asking my mother why Dad left us to travel to the mountains as he began climbing high peaks. When my mother responded, Let’s go and find out for ourselves, I discovered my response because I was curious as a child. I fell in love with the mountains at the age of seven during my first trek in Uttarakhand. I wanted to go back every year, and I reached my first 6,000-meter peak in 2017 when I was nine years old,” said Kaamya Karthikeyan.

“Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, thank you. I’ve learned the true meaning of bravery, faith, and endurance from my experience swimming across six seas through the night with sharks, jellyfish, and much more. I want the future generation—especially girls—to be inspired by my experiences to pursue their goals without fear. I want to further honor my nation with your blessings and optimism,” said Open Swimmer Sayani Das.

Senior members of the diplomatic community, as well as prominent business leaders, attended the event.

Priyanka Dutta