35-year-old Naval Kishore was born with normal vision into an economically weaker household in Najafgarh, New Delhi. His father is a taxi-driver and his mother is a homemaker. He has a younger brother who is married. At the age of two, Naval lost his eyesight completely due to high fever. His family visited several hospitals in pursuit of seeking medical help to restore his vision. However, the doctors couldn’t provide him with any concrete solutions. As recommended by some colleagues, Naval accompanied his father to All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi in search of assistance. The doctors suggested him to undergo a surgery but the operation turned out to be unsuccessful.
With the help of the doctors, Naval procured a 100% disability certificate. He was also apprised about the services provided by National Association for Blind (NAB) for future requirements. Naval went on to complete his schooling till 12th standard from NAB. And after that he also earned his Bachelor’s degree from Delhi University. After completing his graduation, Naval wanted a recruitment in the government sector. He appeared for Regional Rural Banks (RRB) examinations in 2017, cleared the preliminary level but was unable to clear the mains.
He contacted the Helpdesk to procure more information about his career prospects in the government sector. He was looking for a job in railways under the ‘Group D’ category and was open to work in the banking sector as well. As Naval was well-versed with computer skills, our counselors encouraged him to look beyond government jobs and explore different arenas. Eyeway counselors keep Naval up to date with job opportunities from the government as well as private sector via our WhatsApp group. Our counselors even demonstrated the use of a smartphone to make him affluent with assistive technology.
Several visually impaired individuals like Naval tend to lean towards government jobs as they are under an impression that it would provide them with financial security and a stable income. Belonging to a low-income family, certain benefits such as pension, medical aids act as a bonus for choosing government organizations over the private sector, irrespective of the difference in the pay scale. Such pre-conceived notions restrict individual’s opportunities to grow and explore alternatives of greater value.
Currently, Naval is taking coaching from K.D campus in Munirka to appear for government recruitment. He frequently visits our Helpdesk and is dependent on Eyeway’s support and resource base. He constantly seeks guidance and encouragement from our counselors for his future endeavors.