An Ahmedabad-based doctor couple has etched their names in mountaineering history by completing one of the world's most daunting challenges. On December 15, Dr Hemant Leuva, a professor of Surgery at NHL Municipal Medical College, and his wife, Dr Surabhi Leuva, chief medical officer at Gujarat Vidyapith, successfully summited the 4,892-meter Vinson Massif in Antarctica.
A Seven-Year Odyssey to the Top of the World
Their conquest of the highest peak in Antarctica, located in the Ellsworth Mountains about 1,200 km from the South Pole, marked the triumphant finale of their Seven Summits quest. This prestigious challenge involves climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents. The Leuvas are now among the elite few from India to have achieved this feat together.
Their remarkable journey spanned seven years and took them across the globe:
- 2018: Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa)
- 2022: Mount Everest (Asia)
- 2023: Mount Aconcagua (South America) and Mount Elbrus (Europe)
- 2024: Mount Denali (North America) and Mount Kosciuszko (Australia)
- 2024: Mount Vinson (Antarctica)
The Drive Behind the Dream
In a conversation on Monday while returning from his epic adventure, Dr Hemant Leuva shared that the idea of the Seven Summits fully took shape only after their Everest climb. "Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro motivated us to take up the challenge," he said, adding that it was a coincidence their journey concluded in the seventh year.
The couple, who have inspired numerous professionals through over 100 mountaineering camps—including sessions at the Everest Base Camp—financed their passion largely through years of careful savings, highlighting the significant personal investment required for such pursuits.
A Summit of Contentment
Reflecting on the emotional pinnacle, Dr Surabhi Leuva stated, "There are no words to describe the feeling of standing on the summit." She acknowledged the mix of good and bad experiences throughout their climbs. To maintain peak physical condition, the duo continuously trained others between their own summit attempts. "What matters is the sense of contentment and achievement," she emphasized.
Their accomplishment adds to Gujarat's growing mountaineering legacy. Notably, two other individuals from the state, including a doctor mentored by the couple, have also completed the Seven Summits in recent years.
