Varun is paralysed from the chest down but possesses an indomitable spirit of adventure. He believes in living life on the edge. In 2011, this 29-year-old paraplegic adventurer won a National Award from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, a State Award from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Govt. of Uttarakhand) and the CavinKare Ability Mastery Award. Varun also has an entry in the Limca Book of Records for river rafting and kayaking (2010) and for a 120km road trip in the Himalayas on a quad bike (2011) .
From: Rishikesh, IndiaIn 2004, I had met with an accident and suffered complete paralysis from my chest down. Despite this unfortunate setback, I never lost heart, and never gave up; I completed my studies and also pursued higher studies in management. Today, I am self-employed and run a travel agency in Rishikesh by the name of 'Travelmyway'. I have not let my disability get in the way of my passion for adventure. In 2009, I attempted river rafting and kayaking, and in 2010 I undertook a 120km journey in the Himalayas on a quad bike. My enthusiasm and drive for adventure and for outdoor activities is boundless, and I try to use my every accomplishment to spread awareness of 'Accessible Travel' and 'Accessible Adventure', and also for creating an 'Accessible Infrastructure'. Besides my business and love of adventure, I like to spend time with people - adults and children - who are facing, or who have faced, a situation similar to mine, and talk on subjects like life, and being positive in life .