To the end of the world: Hyderabad youth on her way to Antarctica

Aarati Rao has embarked on a journey like no other. As of Monday, she joins participants from 19 other countries in a trip to the loneliest part of our Planet — Antarctica. And during her 13-day stay on the ice, she is set to study further a threat that concerns all of the Earth’s billions — climate change.

The 25-year-old’s expedition has been initiated by the 2041 Foundation which takes its name from a rather crucial year for humanity. Because in the year 2041, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty could be modified. Basically, the Foundation wish to stop mining in Antarctica and set the Continent aside as a scientific preserve.

“The idea is to come back and bring awareness on climate change through local people — not just through advocacy but also through substantial action,” says Aarati.

Her journey began on March 12 from the southernmost city of the mapped world, Ushuaia, and will make periodic pitstops at the Drake's Passage, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Harbour, The Lemaire Channel, Whalers’ Bay, Brown Bluff and back.

Hailing from a Forces background, Aarati — who finished her schooling from the city’s Army school — has always been associated with social causes. She has previously participated in the 15-day Jagruti Yatra and has travelled to countries including Colombia and Ecuador to teach sustainable travelling.

She has also been part of the ‘Third pole education base’ initiative and has taught locals at Leh sustainable living.

“I’m glad my parents — Col. Shankar Rao and mum Amba — have been supportive of me through all this. Even for the Antarctica expedition, their support has been a strong motivational factor," she adds.

The planning for the Antarctica expedition began back in September when she wrote to the 2041 Foundation. “I wrote a bunch of essays explaining what I could bring to the team, what motivated me and how socially inclined I was,” she reveals.

After the nod from the Foundation, she had to also prepare herself for the harsh climactic conditions. “I have always tried to stay fit, which I think will be of great help. I have worked a lot on my cardio in particular,” she says.

Another hurdle she had to overcome was funds. The expedition required her to raise $18,000 ('1,17,000) but Aarati managed to crowdsource that sum. “I was crowdfunded by 53 people — several were complete strangers who just came forward to support an Indian girl on her way to Antarctica,” she says.

She is also cautious about the future. “I know a lot of people whose lives have transformed after such a trip and I hope I experience something like that too. For now, I plan to come back and start a social enterprise of my own. That’s my dream.”