Chennai, June 2026: Dr. Priya Selvaraj, Senior Reproductive Medicine Specialist and Director of GG Hospital, Chennai, has successfully summited Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, on 27 May 2026 at 10:00 AM, marking an extraordinary personal milestone alongside a distinguished 25-year career in fertility medicine.
At the age of 52, Dr. Priya reached the summit after months of rigorous preparation, discipline and perseverance. The achievement follows her successful ascent of Manaslu (8,163 metres), making her the only Indian woman above the age of 50 known to have summited two 8,000-metre peaks within a span of seven months.
For over two decades, Dr. Priya has been at the forefront of reproductive medicine, helping thousands of families realise their dream of parenthood. Her Everest journey reflects the same determination, resilience and commitment that have defined her professional career.
Reflecting on the achievement, Dr. Priya Selvaraj said, “Everest was the destination, but the real test of integrity lay in the journey.”
Balancing a demanding medical practice, leadership responsibilities, family commitments and an intensive training schedule, she pursued a goal many would consider impossible.
“As a healthcare professional, training doesn’t happen in ideal conditions. It’s built between responsibilities, long days and mental fatigue. There’s no perfect terrain to prepare for this either. I relied on my coach. I relied on my mind and body. And above all, I relied on trust – in the process,” she added.
Dr. Priya undertook the expedition with Elite Exped, founded by renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, and was guided by experienced high-altitude guide Anup Gurung. Her preparation was led by fitness coach Dr. Sugapradeep, a dentist, national athlete, combat fitness coach and strength and conditioning specialist. Having previously trained her for expeditions including Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Everest Base Camp and Lobuche East (6,119m), and Manaslu(8,163m), he designed a structured programme for Everest focused on endurance, strength, altitude adaptation, recovery and mental resilience required for high-altitude mountaineering.
Beyond the mountaineering achievement itself, Dr. Priya hopes her journey will inspire others to pursue ambitious goals irrespective of age or circumstance and serve as a reminder that meaningful goals can be pursued at any stage of life with commitment and perseverance.
“Everest, true to its might, tests every ounce of your willpower, determination and strength. However, once you summit, you remain changed forever,” she said.
Notably, Dr. Priya is the daughter of renowned fertility specialist Dr. Kamala Selvaraj and granddaughter of legendary actor Gemini Ganesan, carrying forward a legacy of excellence while charting her own path of achievement in medicine and adventure.
