Pune: Prabha Zurange, a 51-year-old schoolteacher with a deep passion for trekking, celebrated her 51st birthday by accomplishing a remarkable feat—scaling 51 forts in a single year. Despite challenges, including a fractured arm, Prabha pursued her passion with dedication, completing her final trek before her birthday on January 7, 2025.
Prabha, who teaches at a Zilla Parishad primary school in Bharatgaon, started trekking 14 years ago, inspired by her husband, Bapusaheb Zurange, an avid trekker. She decided to scale 51 forts in her 50th year, and her husband supported her vision by meticulously planning the campaign.
The journey began on January 7, 2024, with treks to Purandar and Vajragad, forts near her childhood home. Every Sunday, she scaled one or two forts, sometimes accompanied by her brother and sister-in-law, Satish and Archana Raut. Additionally, she completed 11 treks with Pune’s Sahyadri Trekking Foundation.
Prabha’s Himalayan expedition to Goechala in Sikkim at an altitude of 15,100 feet was a significant highlight of her year. Even after fracturing her arm during a trek to Kothaligad in October 2024, she resumed trekking within 15 days.
Prabha completed her 51-fort mission with time to spare, using the remaining Sundays to achieve an additional milestone of 55 forts in honor of her husband’s 55th birthday. Her efforts were recognized by the Offbeat Trekkers Group in Pune, who felicitated her for the accomplishment.
Beyond personal achievement, Prabha involved her students in her passion. She shared photos, videos, and stories from her treks to educate them about forts and history. Under her guidance, her students created a detailed replica of Torna Fort during the Diwali holidays.
Highlights of 2024 Trekking Journey
January: Vajragad, Purandar, Hadsar, Nimgiri, Hanumantgad, Kalyangad, Vardhangad, Mahimangad.
February: Aguada (Goa), Mohangad, Kawla Fort, Bhairavgad, Jungli Jaygad, Hargad, Mulher, Mora, Ratangad.
March: Kalsubai, Vasota, Nageshwar, Sudhagad, Raigad.
April: Rohida, Kailasgad, Ghangad, Dhawalgad.
May: Sinhagad, Goechala Trek (Sikkim).
June: Malhargad, Raigad, Rajgad, Vairatgad, Vandangad, Chandangad.
August: Badami Fort, Kenjalgad, Rayreshwar.
September: Santoshgad, Warugad, Jivdhan, Torna (Prachandgad), Sajjangad.
October: Kothaligad, Shivneri.
November: Pandavgad, Pratapgad.
December: Lohagad, Korigad, Dategad, Gunvantgad, Ajinkyatara, Bhushangad, Mangad, Sarasgad, Avchitgad.