Arunima Sinha Biography – Discover Arunima Sinha’s inspiring biography, from a tragic train accident to becoming the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. Explore her net worth, quotes, early life, achievements, and philanthropy in this detailed profile.
Arunima Sinha’s story is a beacon of resilience and triumph. As the world’s first female amputee to scale Mount Everest in 2013, her journey from a national-level volleyball player to a global icon showcases unbreakable determination. Despite losing her leg in a horrific train accident, she conquered the highest peaks across seven continents, authored a bestselling book, and founded a school for disabled children. This SEO-optimized Arunima Sinha biography dives into her net worth, age, inspiring quotes, early life, education, Wikipedia presence, accomplishments, family, career achievements, and awards, offering a comprehensive look at her extraordinary life as of April 13, 2025.
Arunima Sinha Biography
Arunima Sinha’s biography is a testament to the human spirit. Born in 1988 and thriving at 36, she transformed tragedy into triumph, climbing Mount Everest just two years after losing her leg. Her 2025 endeavors include motivational speaking and expanding her non-profit for disabled youth, per The Hindu (web:13). Whether you’re seeking inspiration or curious about her legacy, this article uncovers the milestones that define Arunima’s path, from Ambedkar Nagar to the world’s highest summits.
Field | Summary of Arunima Sinha Biography |
---|---|
Net Worth | Estimated at INR 2–5 crore ($240,000–$600,000) in 2025, from book sales, speaking, and endorsements. |
Age | Born July 20, 1988; now 36, inspiring globally through talks and philanthropy. |
Quotes | Known for “I turned my disability into my strength” (The Hindu, 2014), embodying her resilience. |
Early Life | Born in Ambedkar Nagar, UP, India; excelled in volleyball, dreamed of paramilitary service. |
Education | BA in Sociology, Lucknow University (2009); basic mountaineering course at Nehru Institute (2011–2012). |
Wikipedia | Noted as first female amputee to climb Everest, scaled Seven Summits, Padma Shri recipient (2015). |
Accomplishments | Climbed Seven Summits, authored Born Again on the Mountain, founded school for disabled children. |
Family | Daughter of an Indian Army father (deceased) and supportive mother; has an elder sister, younger brother. |
Career Achievements | First female amputee to summit Everest (2013), completed Seven Summits (2019), runs non-profit school. |
Awards | Padma Shri (2015), Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2014), Yash Bharti Award (2016). |
Key Takeaways
- Arunima Sinha is the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest (2013).
- She completed the Seven Summits by 2019, scaling the highest peak on each continent.
- Her non-profit school empowers disabled and underprivileged children.
Early Life: Roots in Resilience
Arunima Sinha was born on July 20, 1988, in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a modest family. Her father served in the Indian Army until his death during her childhood, leaving her mother to raise Arunima, an elder sister, and a younger brother, per BBC News (web:10). From age 5, she excelled in volleyball, competing nationally by her teens, and aspired to join the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), per The Hindu (web:13). Her athletic grit and family’s support shaped her bold ambitions.
The Tragic Accident That Changed Everything
On April 12, 2011, Arunima’s life took a devastating turn. While traveling by train from Lucknow to Delhi for a CISF exam, robbers attempted to steal her bag. Resisting, she was pushed from the moving train, landing on the tracks. Another train ran over her left leg, necessitating amputation below the knee, per India Today (web:15). Critically injured, she endured multiple surgeries at AIIMS Delhi, facing physical agony and emotional turmoil, yet vowed to defy her circumstances.
Recovery and Mountaineering Resolve
During her four-month recovery at AIIMS, Arunima found inspiration in cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s cancer battle, per The Times of India (web:17). Determined to achieve greatness, she set her sights on climbing Mount Everest despite her prosthetic leg. She joined the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi in 2011, completing an 18-month basic course under coach Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to summit Everest. Her training focused on endurance, strength, and adapting to her disability, per National Geographic (web:12).
Historic Everest Climb: A World First
On May 21, 2013, Arunima Sinha made history as the first female amputee to summit Mount Everest, part of the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation’s Eco Everest Expedition. Battling extreme weather and her prosthetic’s limitations, she reached the 8,848-meter peak, hoisting India’s flag, per BBC News (web:10). Her 52-day climb, starting March 30, 2013, showcased her unyielding spirit, earning global acclaim and inspiring millions, per The Hindu (web:13).
Conquering the Seven Summits
Arunima’s ambition extended to the Seven Summits—the highest peaks on each continent. By January 4, 2019, she completed this feat, becoming the first female amputee to do so, per India Today (web:15). Her conquests include:
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa, 2014): 5,895 meters.
- Mount Elbrus (Europe, 2015): 5,642 meters.
- Mount Kosciuszko (Australia, 2016): 2,228 meters.
- Aconcagua (South America, 2017): 6,960 meters.
- Denali (North America, 2018): 6,190 meters.
- Mount Vinson (Antarctica, 2019): 4,892 meters.
- Mount Everest (Asia, 2013): 8,848 meters.
Personal Life: Marriage and Support System
Arunima is married to Gaurav Singh, a supportive partner who encourages her pursuits, per The Times of India (web:17). While private about her personal life, she credits her husband and family—especially her mother and siblings—for standing by her through tragedy and triumphs. Based in Lucknow, she balances speaking engagements with family time, per Hindustan Times (web:16).
Philanthropy: Empowering the Next Generation
Through the Arunima Foundation, established in 2015, she runs a non-profit school in Lucknow for underprivileged and disabled children, offering free education, prosthetics, and vocational training, per The Hindu (web:13). The foundation has impacted over 500 kids, with plans to expand in 2025, per India Today (web:15). Her work reflects a commitment to transforming lives, mirroring her own journey.
Published Works: Sharing Her Story
In 2014, Arunima authored Born Again on the Mountain, a bestselling memoir detailing her accident, recovery, and Everest climb. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it’s sold over 50,000 copies and been translated into Hindi and Marathi, per Hindustan Times (web:16). The book inspires readers to overcome adversity, with a second book on her Seven Summits planned for 2026, per X (post:2).
Arunima Sinha in 2025: Inspiring Globally
As of April 13, 2025, Arunima continues to captivate audiences as a motivational speaker, sharing her story at TEDx events, corporate summits, and schools, per The Times of India (web:17). Her recent talks focus on mental resilience, with 2025 engagements in Dubai and Singapore, per X (post:4). She’s also scaling up her foundation, aiming to open a second school in Uttar Pradesh, per India Today (web:15).
Awards and Recognition
Arunima’s courage has earned prestigious honors, per The Hindu (web:13):
- Padma Shri (2015): India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
- Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2014): For outstanding adventure sports.
- Yash Bharti Award (2016): Uttar Pradesh’s highest civilian honor.
- First Ladies Award (2018): By India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development.
A Legacy of Courage
Arunima Sinha’s biography is a masterclass in turning adversity into achievement. From a life-altering accident to summiting the Seven Summits, her INR 2–5 crore net worth pales next to her impact—empowering disabled youth and inspiring millions. At 36, her 2025 speaking tour and foundation growth ensure her story resonates, proving no peak is too high with unwavering resolve.
FAQs About Arunima Sinha Biography
In April 2011, robbers pushed her from a moving train during a robbery attempt. Another train ran over her left leg, leading to amputation below the knee (India Today).
She summited Mount Everest on May 21, 2013, as the first female amputee to do so (BBC News).
She climbed the Seven Summits, authored Born Again on the Mountain, and founded a school for disabled children (The Hindu).
Estimated at INR 2–5 crore ($240,000–$600,000) in 2025, from speaking, book sales, and endorsements (Hindustan Times).
In 2025, she’s a motivational speaker and runs the Arunima Foundation, expanding her school for disabled youth (India Today).
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