Character Sketch: Reach for the Top | English Class 9 PDF Download

Part I - Santosh Yadav

Santosh, the first woman to summit Mt. Everest twice, defied gender biases from her birthplace in Haryana. Funding her education through part-time work in Delhi, she discovered her passion for mountaineering while staying at a Jaipur hostel. In 1992, at 20, she became the youngest woman to conquer Everest, saving a fellow climber's life and earning India's Padmashri award.

Santosh Yadav

Santosh Yadav: The Determined Mountaineer 

• Defying Traditional Norms: Born in Joniyawas village, Haryana, Santosh Yadav emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination in a society that did not celebrate the birth of daughters. Despite her affluent landowner parents' ability to provide a good education, Santosh had to battle societal expectations to follow her dreams. Her preference for shorts over traditional attire and her belief in making others adjust to her choices highlight her rebellious spirit.
  
• Pursuit of Education and Mountaineering: At 16, facing pressure to marry early, Santosh refused to conform. She stood firm in her demand for an education and moved to Delhi to attend school, planning to fund her studies through part-time work. Her journey into mountaineering began when she observed climbers in the Aravalli hills and, driven by curiosity, joined them. This marked the start of her mountaineering career.
  
• Achievements and Impact: Santosh's determination and resilience were key to her success in high-altitude climbing. By age 20, she made history as the youngest woman to summit Mt. Everest in 1992. Her strength and compassion were evident when she attempted to save a dying climber and successfully rescued Mohan Singh by sharing her oxygen.
• Record-Breaking Feats: She became the first woman to scale Mt. Everest twice, cementing her place in mountaineering history. Honored with the Padmashri award, she also demonstrated her commitment to environmental conservation by removing 500 kilograms of garbage from the Himalayas. Santosh's story embodies perseverance, courage, and national pride.

Santosh Yadav: A life that scaled heights over and over

Santosh's Parents: Supportive but Traditional

• Traditional Values and Initial Resistance: Santosh’s parents, affluent landowners in Haryana, initially adhered to traditional norms, including the expectation of early marriage for girls. This led them to pressure Santosh into marriage at 16. However, her resolute stance on education challenged their views.
  
• Support Through Determination: When Santosh insisted on her right to education and threatened not to marry if her demands were not met, her parents initially withheld financial support. Witnessing her determination to work part-time to fund her schooling, they eventually supported her education. Over time, they grew more accepting of her ambitions, even as her father slowly came to terms with her mountaineering pursuits.
• Evolution and Acceptance: Despite their traditional outlook, Santosh’s parents adapted to her ambitions, demonstrating that even deeply rooted traditions can evolve in the face of their children’s unwavering determination and success. Their eventual support played a crucial role in her achievements.

Part II- Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova's rise to the top of women's tennis began at 9 when she left Siberia for Florida, training rigorously with her father despite challenges. Alongside tennis, she pursued interests in dancing, singing, and fashion, driven always by her ambition to become number one, despite acknowledging the role of money in sports.

Maria Sharapova: The Resilient Champion 

Maria Sharapova

• Early Beginnings and Sacrifices: Maria Sharapova’s ascent to the world number one spot in women’s tennis was rapid and remarkable. Born in Siberia, she demonstrated extraordinary poise and determination from a young age. At just nine years old, she moved to the United States with her father, Yuri, to pursue tennis. This move, which required a heart-wrenching separation from her mother, Yelena, marked the beginning of her journey to greatness. Maria learned early on that achieving tennis excellence demanded significant sacrifice.
• Challenges and Determination: During her training in Florida, Maria faced considerable loneliness and hardship. Missing her mother deeply and with her father preoccupied with work, Maria often felt isolated. She was also tasked with responsibilities beyond her years, such as tidying up and cleaning, which her older peers assigned to her. Rather than letting these challenges deter her, Maria developed a strong sense of determination and mental toughness. Her experiences hardened her resolve and solidified her desire to succeed, motivating her to overcome numerous obstacles.
• Career Achievements: Maria’s toughness and resilience paid off spectacularly. She clinched the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 2004 and soared to the world number one position in 2005. Her journey from the harsh conditions of Siberia to the pinnacle of tennis showcased her extraordinary talent and unwavering drive.
  
• Personal Philosophy and Identity: Despite her success and the American influences in her life, Maria remains fiercely proud of her Russian heritage. She asserts her Russian identity and expresses a strong commitment to representing Russia in international competitions if given the chance. Her competitive nature and hard work are central to her philosophy, viewing tennis as both a sport and a business where becoming the best is the ultimate goal.
  
• Perspective on Success: Sharapova acknowledges the role of monetary rewards in her career but emphasizes that her primary motivation is to be number one in the world. This ambition and dedication have been driving forces behind her remarkable achievements in tennis. Her success is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and the sacrifices she has made along the way.

Yuri and Yelena Sharapova: The Supportive and Sacrificing Parents

Young Maria with Parents Yelena and Yuri

• Visionary Support and Sacrifices: Yuri and Yelena Sharapova were instrumental in Maria Sharapova’s rise to prominence in tennis. Recognizing Maria’s potential early on, Yuri made the pivotal decision to move to the United States with her, despite the personal sacrifices involved, including a prolonged separation from Yelena due to visa restrictions. Yuri’s commitment was evident through his relentless efforts to support Maria’s training and career, showcasing his belief in her talent and his dedication to her success.

• Challenges and Dedication: Yuri’s sacrifices were not limited to financial support; he also provided emotional support during Maria’s challenging times away from home. Working multiple jobs to fund Maria’s training in Florida, he balanced various responsibilities, including managing the family’s needs and Maria’s career development. His role extended beyond that of a father to that of a manager and mentor, guiding Maria through the complexities of a professional sports career.

• Emotional and Practical Support: Yelena Sharapova’s role, though primarily emotional, was equally crucial. Her separation from Maria highlighted the personal sacrifices made for her daughter’s success. Despite the distance, Yelena provided moral support and maintained strong connections through communication. Her dedication and support were key in ensuring Maria’s emotional well-being during a challenging phase of her life.

• Pride and Fulfillment: The pride Yuri and Yelena feel in Maria’s achievements is immense. Their sacrifices and unwavering support have been fundamental to Maria’s success, reflecting the collaborative effort behind her rise in the world of tennis. Yuri’s involvement and Yelena’s emotional support underscore the profound impact of parental dedication on achieving dreams, celebrating their shared journey and fulfillment.