Arunima Sinha’s journey is a remarkable one, filled with determination and resilience. Despite facing unimaginable hardship, she turned adversity into an inspiration, proving that the human spirit can overcome any obstacle.
In 2011, Arunima, a 24-year-old national-level volleyball player, was travelling on the Padmavat Express when a group of thieves attempted to snatch her gold chain. She resisted, but they overpowered her and threw her off the moving train. Tragically, she fell onto the railway tracks and was run over by another train, resulting in the loss of her left leg.
As she lay in a hospital bed, recovering from her injuries, Arunima made a bold decision—she would climb Mount Everest. Despite her physical challenges, she was determined to prove that her life was not defined by the tragedy. Two years later, on May 21, 2013, she made history by becoming the first Indian female amputee to reach the summit of Everest.
Arunima was born in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. Her father, an army engineer, passed away when she was just three years old. Her mother, Gyan Bala, worked as a health supervisor, while her elder sister and brother-in-law became key figures in her life, supporting her through her struggles.
Before the accident, Arunima was passionate about sports and had represented her college in national-level volleyball. However, finding a stable job was a challenge. She applied for a position in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and was travelling to Delhi to correct an error in her application when the life-changing incident occurred.
On April 11, 2011, during her train journey, thieves targeted her, assuming she was alone and defenceless. When she resisted, they threw her onto the tracks. Severely injured, she lay there through the night, with passing trains shaking the ground beneath her. It was morning when the villagers found her and alerted authorities. Due to delays in medical attention, her left leg had to be amputated without anaesthesia. Despite the pain, Arunima’s spirit remained unbroken.
Life After The Accident
Determined to reclaim her life, Arunima set her sights on an extraordinary goal. Inspired by a newspaper article about Mount Everest, she decided to attempt the climb, despite having no prior mountaineering experience. She trained under Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to scale Everest, pushing her limits both mentally and physically.
Arunima’s achievement earned her widespread recognition, and in 2015, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Arunima’s journey did not end with Everest. She has since climbed several other peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus. She also works to inspire and support others through her foundation, which helps differently-abled individuals achieve their dreams.
(Image Credit: AFP)