India’s Bravest Mountaineer : Arunima Sinha
People often sideline disabled people and their dreams are frequently discouraged rather than supported. Everyone views them with eyes of sympathy. But the journey of Arunima Sinha is a story where limitations exist only in the mind.
Her story challenges how society views disability.
Early Life
Arunima Sinha was born on 20 July 1989 in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
Growing up, she developed a deep love for sports especially volleyball and football. For Arunima sports were her identity.
During her journey on the Padmavati Express from Lucknow to Delhi in April 2011, Arunima was attacked by thieves attempting to snatch her chain. She was pushed out of the moving train which resulted in the amputation of her left leg below the knee, along with severe injuries to her spine and right leg.For a young athlete, losing a limb was a devastating emotional blow and not just a physical loss.
After such an incident anyone would have surrendered to despair but she showed bravery and chose a path that would redefine her life.
The Turning Point of Her Life: With A Disability
During her recovery journey, Arunima watched a television program about mountaineering legends. Watching their stories, something sparked deep within her. She decided that she would climb the highest peak in the world i.e., Mount Everest.
From Doctors to relatives to well wishers, everyone was shocked by her decision and believed it was impossible. But Arunima was not seeking sympathy, she was focused on seeking purpose.
She reached out to the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest- Bachendri Pal, who became her mentor. From having difficulty walking with a prosthetic leg to climbing, it required unimaginable determination.
After going through rigorous training at the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation, pushing her body and mind beyond perceived limits, Arunima achieved the impossible. She successfully summited Mount Everest on 21 May 2013, becoming the first female amputee in the world to do so.
The climb was filled with challenges, extreme weather, postural instability, physical pain and lack of oxygen. Yet, with her sheer power and determination, Arunima stood atop the world.
She remained determined and set her sights on the Seven Summits challenge i.e., climbing the highest peak on each continent.
- Mount Everest (Asia)
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa)
- Mount Elbrus (Europe)
- Mount Kosciuszko (Australia)
- Mount Aconcagua (South America)
- Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania)
- Vinson Massif (Antarctica)
one by one she conquered them all.
When she summited Vinson Massif in January 2019, she became the first female amputee in the world to complete the Seven Summits.
This victory placed her among the greatest mountaineers in history.
Awards and Recognition
Arunima’s extraordinary journey has been honoured with numerous awards, including
- Rani Laxmi Bai Award
- Yash Bharti Award
- Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award
- Padma Shri (2015), one of India’s highest civilian awards
- Several international recognitions
The Prime Minister of India, launched her autobiography “Born Again on the Mountain” in 2014. The book includes her emotional, physical, and psychological journey which offer readers an intimate look into her transformation.
“When life knocks you down, stand higher because you can.”
Arunima’s story is a great example that defines tragedy does not define destiny. Hope, resilience and unstoppable determination can help you overcome life’s challenges.
At ReciteYou, we believe stories have the power to reshape thought, inspire resilience, and ignite purpose. Arunima Sinha’s journey reminds us that strength is not the absence of adversity, but the courage to rise beyond it and redefine what is possible for the human spirit.
