- IAS Sonal Goel climbed Kilimanjaro for cancer, drug awareness.
- Dedicated feat to late father, emphasizing early cancer detection.
- Unfurled 'Drugs Nahi, Dreams Chuno' message at Stella Point.
“Even the highest mountain can be scaled when driven by a powerful purpose.” Using her personal loss to spread hope, senior IAS officer Sonal Goel scaled Africa’s highest mountain peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, to spread awareness about cancer and the harmful effects of drug abuse. After reaching the high-altitude Stella Point on October 2, she dedicated her arduous journey to her father, who lost his battle to cancer in October 2023. Through her feat, she wanted to raise awareness about how early detection can prevent cancer spread.
Sonal’s awareness began during her trek to Everest Base Camp in May this year. Combining her passion for mountaineering with social causes, the 43-year-old senior IAS officer continued her campaign during the Kilimanjaro expedition.
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Turned Personal Grief Into Awareness Campaign
After returning from the expedition, Sonal spoke to PTI about how her father’s battle with cancer inspired her to take up this awareness campaign. “I lost my beloved father to cancer on October 24, 2023. His passing left a profound void in my life, but it also strengthened my resolve to turn personal grief into a meaningful social commitment”, she said.
Through her campaign, she wanted to raise awareness about how timely medical intervention can prevent cancer. Explaining her cause, she added, "I decided to spread awareness about cancer prevention, early detection and healthy living, hoping that greater awareness and timely medical intervention could help other families avoid preventable suffering”.
“Drugs Nahe, Dreams Chuno”
Extending her awareness campaign to drug abuse, Sonal unfurled the Indian Tricolor at the Stella Point during her Kilimanjaro expedition with posters carrying messages, “Drugs Nahi, Dreams Chuno”. Making youths aware of a healthier path away from drugs, she said, “Our youth have the power to shape the future of our nation. Let us give them not just opportunities, but also the awareness and strength to choose a healthier path.”
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For Sonal, every mountain is an opportunity to carry forward the message.
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All About Sonal Goel
Sonal Goel is a 2008-batch IAS officer who has been in public service for over 18 years. Recently, she published her book “Nation Calling: Holistic Approach to UPSC Civil Services” to assist aspirants during their UPSC journey. Originally from Haryana and educated in Delhi at SRCC, she left her corporate career and joined the civil services, securing an All India Rank of 13.
During her tenure, she worked across remote areas and states like Tripura and Haryana, focusing on women's welfare, rural development, and digital growth. Today, her inspiring work and campaigns continue to motivate people all over the country.