In 2011, Arunima Sinha’s life changed forever. While traveling on a train in India, she was attacked by a group of men who attempted to steal her gold chain. When she resisted, they threw her out of the train, causing her to fall onto the tracks and be hit by a passing train. As a result of the accident, Arunima lost her left leg below the knee.
For most people, this would be a devastating blow, a setback that would change the course of their life forever. But Arunima refused to let her disability define her. In fact, she was determined to use her experience to inspire others and show that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Early Life
Arunima was born on July 20, 1988, in the small village of Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, India. Growing up, she was an active child who loved playing sports and dreaming of a career in the Indian Police Service.
After completing her schooling, Arunima enrolled in a Bachelor of Physical Education program at the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education in Gwalior. It was here that she discovered her passion for mountaineering, a sport that would change the course of her life forever.
The Accident
In 2011, Arunima was on her way to take an exam for the Central Reserve Police Force when the attack occurred. The attack was brutal, leaving her with a shattered leg and a devastating injury that would require amputation below the knee.
But despite the challenges she faced, Arunima refused to give up on her dreams. In fact, she was determined to use her experience to inspire others and show that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Recalling the life-changing incident to HERSTORY, she says, “Imagine a normal girl who did all her work using her hands and legs, and suddenly one day she loses one of her body parts. It is indeed very difficult to live the life of an amputee, but if you start looking through a different perspective, it all changes. Lying on the hospital bed, I decided to take the hardest leap in life and even thought to myself that there must be some reason why the Almighty has kept me alive even after such a traumatic incident, and it surely means that history is in the making.”
The Climb to Everest
After her accident, Arunima was inspired to take up mountaineering as a way to challenge herself and prove that anything is possible. In 2012, she climbed the 16,000-foot Chhamser Kangri peak in the Himalayas, a feat that had never been accomplished by an amputee before.
But Arunima’s ambitions didn’t stop there. In fact, she set her sights on climbing Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. It was a daunting challenge, one that had never been accomplished by a female amputee before.
Over the course of two years, Arunima trained tirelessly for her climb, overcoming physical and emotional obstacles along the way. She was determined to prove that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Finally, in May 2013, Arunima achieved her goal, becoming the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. It was a historic achievement, one that inspired people around the world and cemented Arunima’s place as a trailblazer and inspiration to others.
Having too many options can often lead to indecision, and hinder our ability to make a choice. Focusing on a single goal can help us prioritize and work towards achieving it. Personally, I was reminded of this when I broke my leg, which served as a wake-up call to strive towards my ambitions and pursue them relentlessly.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Arunima’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, she refused to give up on her dreams and instead used her experience to inspire others.
Today, Arunima is an accomplished mountaineer, motivational speaker, and the author of two books. She continues to inspire people around the world, showing that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
What can we learn from Arunima?
Arunima Sinha’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, she refused to let her disability define her and instead used her experience to inspire others.
Her journey from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to the top of Mount Everest is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced a setback or obstacle in their life. Her story serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the road may seem, with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Arunima’s story is also a reminder that we should never let our circumstances define us, and that we all have the power to overcome the challenges that come our way. Her journey is a true inspiration, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Arunima Sinha is currently working as a sports coach and actively involved in motivational speaking and social work, particularly for the empowerment of people with disabilities. In addition, Arunima Sinha has been honored with several awards for her remarkable achievements, including the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2015.
Arunima Sinha is a true trailblazer and a source of inspiration for many around the world. Her journey from tragedy to triumph is a story that will continue to inspire and motivate people to chase their dreams and overcome their challenges.