Arunima Sinha’s incredible life story is one of resilience, triumph over adversity, and unwavering determination. From a national-level volleyball player to the first female amputee to conquer Mount Everest, her journey is truly inspiring.
Wiki/Biography
Born Sonu Sinha on July 20, 1988 (age 35 as of 2023), in Akbarpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. She completed her schooling at Government Girls Inter College, Akbarpur. Arunima later pursued mountaineering at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi and was honored with an honorary doctorate from the University of Strathclyde.
Her zodiac sign is Cancer.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5’2″
- Weight: 60 kg
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
Arunima comes from a lower-middle-class Kayastha family. She’s one of four siblings, with an elder brother, Om Prakash, a former CISF personnel. Details about her first marriage are scarce. She later married Gaurav Singh, a Paralympian.
Career
Arunima was a national-level volleyball and football player. After a tragic accident that resulted in the amputation of one leg, she resolved to climb Mount Everest. She underwent mountaineering training under the guidance of Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to summit Everest.
On May 21, 2013, she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first female amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Her ambition didn’t stop there; she went on to climb the highest peaks on all seven continents, culminating in her ascent of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, solidifying her place as a record-breaking mountaineer.
Controversies
Following her accident, there were conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. While some claimed it was a robbery attempt, others suggested it was a suicide attempt. The Allahabad High Court eventually ordered Indian Railways to pay compensation to Arunima.
Another controversy arose concerning her national-level player status. After an investigation, she was eventually given jobs with the CISF and Indian Railways.
Awards
Arunima’s achievements have been recognized through numerous awards:
- Padma Shri (2015)
- Yash Bharti Award (Uttar Pradesh Government)
- Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2016)
- Aspire Young Achiever Award (2012)
- Salam India Gallantry Award (IndiaTV, 2013)
Favourite Things
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Sportspersons | Yuvraj Singh, MC Mary Kom |
| Mountaineer | Bachendri Pal |
| Politician | Atal Bihari Vajpayee |
| Leaders | Swami Vivekananda, APJ Abdul Kalam |
| Revolutionary | Chandra Shekhar Azad |
| Businessman | Ratan Tata |
Facts
Arunima was a very active athlete from a young age, participating in various school sports. She enjoys gardening and her favorite quote is by Swami Vivekananda: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
Her accident on April 12, 2011, while traveling from Lucknow to Delhi, changed her life forever. She was pushed from a moving train during a robbery attempt. The injuries she sustained led to the amputation of her leg.
Despite this, she displayed remarkable strength and resilience, using her experience to inspire others and achieve extraordinary feats.
Arunima established the Arunima Foundation, a charitable organization focused on empowering women and people with disabilities.
She also serves as a brand ambassador for various organizations, including the Swachh Bharat mission in Uttar Pradesh.
Arunima’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome immense challenges.
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