Arunima Sinha is not just a mountaineer; she is a symbol of grit, resilience, and indomitable spirit. Despite losing a leg in a tragic accident, she became the first female amputee to scale Mount Everest. Her incredible achievements in mountaineering and her unwavering determination to overcome life’s challenges have made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions worldwide.

Arunima Sinha- Climbing height with determination

Career & Accomplishments

Early Life & Education

Arunima Sinha was born on July 20, 1988, in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. Growing up in a modest family, she displayed an early interest in sports, particularly football and volleyball. She was a national-level volleyball player, and her love for athletics shaped her childhood and young adulthood.

Her upbringing was marked by discipline and determination, traits instilled by her parents that would later play a crucial role in her extraordinary journey.

Career Path

Arunima’s life took a drastic turn in 2011 when she was pushed off a moving train by thieves for resisting their robbery attempt. She sustained severe injuries, including the loss of one of her legs. While this incident was devastating, it marked the beginning of her transformative journey.

After her amputation and rehabilitation, Arunima resolved to achieve the unthinkable—climbing Mount Everest. She began training under Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to scale Everest. Her rigorous preparation included long-distance running, endurance training, and practicing on smaller peaks.

In 2013, she achieved her dream by successfully summiting Mount Everest, becoming the first female amputee in the world to accomplish this feat. Arunima didn’t stop there; she went on to climb six other major peaks across continents, completing the Seven Summits challenge.

Key Achievements & Contributions

Arunima Sinha-During Everest Submit
  • First female amputee to climb Mount Everest (2013).
  • Completed the Seven Summits, which includes the highest peaks on all seven continents.
  • Awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2015 for her contributions to sports.
  • Authored her autobiography, Born Again on the Mountain, which inspires countless individuals to chase their dreams despite challenges.

Industry Impact

Arunima Sinha’s achievements have redefined the boundaries of human potential. She has not only shattered stereotypes about physical disabilities but has also inspired policies and initiatives to support differently-abled athletes in India and beyond. Her story is often cited as a case study in resilience and determination in motivational seminars and academic discussions.

Beyond the Profession

Personal Interests & Hobbies

Beyond mountaineering, Arunima is passionate about motivating others. She frequently conducts motivational talks, inspiring people to overcome their challenges and pursue their goals.

She is also deeply committed to social work and has established the Arunima Foundation, which supports underprivileged and differently-abled individuals by providing them with education and employment opportunities.

Awards & Recognitions

Arunima’s extraordinary journey has earned her several accolades, including:

  • Padma Shri (2015).
  • Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2018).
  • Multiple honorary doctorates for her contributions to sports and society.


“I turned my artificial leg into my strength and began climbing mountains to prove that no challenge is too big if you are determined to overcome it.”

Connect with Arunima Sinha

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Learn More

To delve deeper into Arunima’s journey, read her autobiography, Born Again on the Mountain, or watch her inspiring TED talks available online.

Additional Considerations

Timeline

  • 1988: Born in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
  • 2011: Train accident and amputation.
  • 2013: First female amputee to climb Mount Everest.
  • 2015: Received Padma Shri award.
  • 2018: Completed the Seven Summits challenge.

Key Statistics

  • Mount Everest height: 8,848 meters (29,029 ft).
  • Time taken to summit Everest: 52 days of trekking and climbing.
  • Artificial leg weight: Approximately 2 kg.

External References

  • The Times of India: Coverage of Arunima’s Everest climb.
  • BBC News: Interview with Arunima Sinha.
  • NDTV: Arunima’s motivational initiatives through her foundation.
  • Her biography can be translated into Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and other regional languages to reach a broader audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Arunima Sinha- Inspirational Journey of Breaking Barriers

Who is Arunima Sinha?

Arunima Sinha is an Indian mountaineer and former national-level volleyball player who became the world’s first female amputee to climb Mount Everest in 2013.

What led to Arunima Sinha’s amputation?

In 2011, while resisting a robbery attempt, she was thrown from a moving train, resulting in severe injuries that led to the amputation of her left leg below the knee.

When did Arunima Sinha summit Mount Everest?

She reached the summit on May 21, 2013, becoming the first female amputee to achieve this feat.

What other peaks has she climbed?

Arunima has scaled several other major peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, and Mount Vinson in Antarctica, completing the Seven Summits.

Has she received any awards for her achievements?

Yes, in 2015, Arunima Sinha was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing her remarkable achievements in sports and mountaineering.

What is the title of her autobiography?

Her autobiography is titled “Born Again on the Mountain,” published in 2014, where she narrates her journey from the accident to conquering Everest.

What motivated her to climb Mount Everest?

While recovering in the hospital, Arunima was inspired by the stories of other mountaineers and resolved to climb Everest to prove that she could overcome her disability and achieve greatness.

What challenges did she face during her Everest expedition?

Arunima faced numerous challenges, including physical strain, harsh weather conditions, and the limitations posed by her prosthetic leg. Her determination and rigorous training helped her overcome these obstacles.

What are her future aspirations?

Arunima is dedicated to social welfare and aims to open a free sports academy for underprivileged and differently-abled individuals, using the financial aids she receives to support this cause.