Lingam Ravindra Rao and Anuraag Pokuri complete a remarkable Mount Elbrus expedition, with both now aiming to conquer the Seven Summits
New Delhi: A 72-year-old grandfather and his 17-year-old grandson have turned a mountaineering expedition into a remarkable family achievement. Lingam Ravindra Rao from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, and his grandson Anuraag Pokuri from Hyderabad, Telangana, successfully scaled Mount Elbrus together.
Ravindra Rao climbed the 5,642-metre West Peak of Mount Elbrus on August 14. He was 72 years, one month and 13 days old at the time. According to the information provided, he is the oldest Indian to have climbed Mount Elbrus as of the date of his ascent.
His 17-year-old grandson Anuraag also delivered an impressive performance. The Grade 12 student climbed both the West and East Peaks back-to-back. He completed the two ascents in 3 hours and 44 minutes.
According to the information provided, Anuraag is the youngest citizen of Indian origin to have completed both peaks back-to-back as of the date of the achievement.
From a 1,700-Kilometre Cycling Journey to Mountaineering
Ravindra Rao’s passion for fitness and adventure began decades before his Mount Elbrus expedition. In 1972, at the age of 18, while studying at IIT Kharagpur, he cycled from Kharagpur to Darjeeling with friends, covering approximately 1,700 kilometres in 10 days.
Although professional and business responsibilities later became a major part of his life, he continued to remain physically active and involved in sports. His interest in adventure activities eventually led him to mountaineering.
In 2024, Ravindra climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Labouche. His successful Mount Elbrus ascent has now added another major achievement to his mountaineering journey.
Grandfather and Grandson Share the Seven Summits Dream
The Mount Elbrus expedition has brought Ravindra and Anuraag closer to their shared goal of completing the Seven Summits—the highest mountains on each of the world’s seven continents.
Anuraag, a Grade 12 student at the International School Hyderabad, has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. His Mount Elbrus achievement marks another significant milestone in his young mountaineering career.
For Ravindra, having his grandson alongside him has transformed his personal passion for mountaineering into a shared family ambition.
Ravindra Rao Calls for Greater Focus on Sports
Ravindra Rao believes sports can help children build confidence, discipline and talent. He stresses the importance of identifying sporting abilities early and providing proper coaching.
“India has abundant talent in sports, but that talent needs to be identified and nurtured from a very young age,” he says.
He also believes schools should do more to promote sports. He wants students to choose a sport and get access to trained coaches.
From a 1,700-kilometre cycling expedition at 18 to climbing Mount Elbrus at 72, Ravindra Rao’s journey reflects his passion for fitness, adventure and lifelong learning. Now, he and his grandson have set their sights on the Seven Summits.
