From suicide attempt to North Pole marathon, Indian entrepreneur Ram Gopal Kothari triumphs

Ram Gopal Kothari grew up in a modest Kolkata household, faced early financial pressures, and entered the home-loan sector before losing his job during the 2008 recession. Repeated business failures and a devastating cyclone left him despondent, culminating in a suicide attempt at a metro station, which was averted by a call from his wife, Shipra. He founded Epic Assurance Services LLP in 2012 and later traveled to 79 countries, tackling extreme climbs and marathons.

Inspired by the Tata Mumbai Marathon, he began running without prior training, eventually targeting the North Pole. After two cancelled attempts, he completed the 42.2-km race on floating ice on 13 July 2025, becoming the first Indian to do so, and said he felt he had taken India there with him.