PROJECT SPANDANA
SHACKLETON’S DIAGONAL
FROM BERKNER ISLAND TO THE LEVERETTE GLACIER
THE JOURNEY: BERKNER ISLAND TO LEVERETTE GLACIER
In November 2026, Satish will attempt one of the most ambitious polar journeys ever undertaken: the world's first solo, unsupported human-powered traverse from Berkner Island on the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf to the base of the Leverett Glacier on the Ross Ice Shelf—advancing Shackleton's unfinished dream of crossing Antarctica coast-to-coast.
Spanning over 1,250 miles and expected to take approximately 80 days, this expedition will be the longest solo traverse ever completed on the Antarctic continent and a world-first human achievement. As the first and only Indian to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole—a feat he accomplished in January 2025—Satish will now push the absolute limits of human endurance even further. Traveling entirely alone and without resupply, he will haul approximately 400 pounds of supplies across some of the most remote and hostile terrain on Earth.
He will contend with extreme cold, relentless winds, crevasse fields, and prolonged isolation while crossing the Antarctic plateau at elevations approaching 3,500 meters. This journey builds on years of disciplined preparation and his historic polar experience, representing a defining test of resilience, skill, and mental fortitude—aimed at advancing the boundaries of exploration while building global awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, carrying a message of perseverance and human possibility to the world.
WHY SPANDANA?
The inspiration behind this expedition stems from a deeply personal place, as it is named in honor of Satish’s late cousin, Spandana, who tragically lost her life to suicide after enduring prolonged domestic difficulties and mental health challenges.
Satish himself experienced a profound mental health crisis following the passing of his mother but found solace and recovery through therapy, guiding him towards a positive trajectory.
In many ways, the solo challenge in the Antarctic mirrors the silent, relentless struggles faced daily by those affected by mental health issues - learning to sit with discomfort, push through darkness, and overcome overwhelming thoughts.
This journey to the South Pole is not just about physical endurance but also a tribute to the resilience of the “polar mind”—the strength to endure and navigate life’s coldest, most isolating moments.
THE CAUSE
Through Project Spandana, Satish aims to advocate for the benefits of therapy, remove the stigma around seeking help, and foster the belief that every individual deserves a fulfilling life, regardless of past struggles. Named after his late cousin Spandana, who lost her life to suicide, this initiative addresses a critical need: according to WHO, India faces a significant mental health burden, with 2,443 Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per 100,000 population and an age-adjusted suicide rate of 21 per 100,000 population.
Satish's expedition seeks to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention within the Indian community by collaborating with relevant organizations and promoting their work throughout his journey. As the first and only Indian to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, he uses his platform to demonstrate that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness—and that recovery, resilience, and extraordinary achievement are possible for everyone.
