Dr Varuna Raina

I’m Dr. Varuna Raina, an Anaesthesiologist by profession and a mountaineer by passion. Born and brought up in Srinagar and Jammu in parts, I hail from a Kashmiri Hindu family. I'm a Head Injury survivor. At 18, I was hit by a truck and left for dead. Although I lived, I suffered traumatic brain injury with fractures, facial paralysis, severe balance issues, and was left with permanent 85% hearing loss in my right ear. But I've fought and persevered hard to chase my dream of becoming a Doctor, Mountaineer, Writer and Yoga teacher. From a traumatic accident to climbing mountains, my battle rages on to raise awareness on head injury/hearing loss rehabilitation and mental health. Battling with severe brain injury, I've always been humbled and inspired by the indomitable will given to be my by Dad. In my roles of a Doctor, Mountaineer, Yoga Teacher, Writer, Runner, and advocate for changing disability to DIS-is-ability, I believe in living each day! I want to reach the remotest of areas to scream it's ok to be NOT ok. In a society that curbs and curtails the rise of women, I climb to prove that we can overcome mountains within to realize our true potential. It’s my dream to inspire those who stand apart and whose dreams get crushed.