JOIN USA national level volleyball player while travelling in a general compartment of a train had to fight back chain snatchers and was thrown out on the tracks. She lost her leg in the process, but not her willpower.
Arunima Sinha, has not only become the first female Indian amputee to climb Mount Everest, but has also broken numerous stereotypes in the process. She has forced the Indian society come face to face with stereotypes regarding gender and disability. In a conversation with Metrolife, she shares more about her journey, the challenges she faced as a women mountaineer and her climbing experience.
Excerpts:
When did you decide to pursue mountaineering?
After I lost my leg, lying on the hospital bed, I read an article on mountaineering in a regional newspaper, and instantly decided to take it up. I have been a national level volleyball player but never had done mountaineering. I told my brother and other family members about it. That moment sparked a fire in me and slowly, I started gaining
support.
What were the initial challenges you faced?
There was a lot of negativity after the train incident. Even thoughts of suicide crossed my mind. Instead of getting any empathy, I faced a lot of rumours. It was said that I was travelling in that train without a ticket. All women face difficulties in this society, but for someone who had just lost a leg, it was all the more difficult. Each step was a challenge, but I fought against
all odds.
Has this journey been any different for you because you are a woman?
It all depends on our mindsets. I am proud that I am a woman. A woman is a creator, and we are powerful. My womanhood never made me feel weak. All challenges that come based on my sex are external, born in the society. These are stereotypes and I always make a point to talk against it and make people understand the reality. Women sports are generally not given much importance and a part of it is to be also blamed on media coverage, which only focuses on specific sports. It is also important that the sports ministers and related authorities are from backgrounds that can help in promotion of all sports.
Do you face any personal issues during mountaineering?
I experience a lot of pain and a lot of complexity arises due to menstrual periods during mountaineering. Due to my prosthetic leg, I cannot use the squat toilet. This matters a lot as bleeding increases due to changes in air pressure. Mountaineering demands a lot of mental balance and menstruation can lead to stress. In such a situation only your willpower can rescue you. Incidentally this happens a lot; I get my periods just before I have to go on a trek. Recently I went to Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia and nothing happened during the training period. But just when we began our trek, I got my period. Even though I was prepared to deal with the bleeding, dealing with the pain and stress was difficult. I have trekked in six continents but never have I taken medicines to delay my cycles.
How have people’s attitudes changes towards you?
People used to say that mountaineering is for men and I will end up breaking my bones on the rocks. But now people bring their children to me and ask if I can mentor them. I have guided numerous girls on how to begin their journey in sports and what institute to approach. I am planning on starting a sports academy soon.
Which has been your most challenging climbing experience?
The Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia is the smallest peak with only 4,884 m height, but is very steep. It is rocky as well. Also, there was a waterfall because of rains during the time we were climbing. We also had to cross a swamp and wear knee-high boots. Rock climbing can be very painful.