A testament of perseverance

Twenty-year-old Sanat was born into a farmer’s family in Jharkhand. facing the challenge of vision impairment from birth. Growing up in a large family, Sanat’s early years were marked by struggle, especially in his education.

He studied in a local government school but due to lack of braille books or any accessible study material, Sanat couldn’t acquire much knowledge. His teachers simply promoted him to Class V. When he changed school after primary education, he was again sent to Lower Kindergarten because he lacked proper education. But he was determined to perform well, and so he learned quickly. He was rapidly promoted to Class 2, 4 and finally grade 6.  

Seeking better opportunities, Sanat moved to a special school for blind in Andhra Pradesh. Later, he relocated to Delhi. It was during this time that Sanat connected with the International Fellowship for Differently Abled Foundation, which provided him with accommodation and support to complete his 12th grade and B.A. from School of Open Learning.

After graduation, Sanat began preparing for government exams while working at an NGO and tutoring students preparing for competitive examination. However, he faced discrimination when trying to obtain an ATM card from his local bank in Jharkhand, where officials denied his request on grounds of blindness.

He discovered Eyeway through audio channel Hamari Vaani and shared his banking issue with our helpdesk counsellor. The counsellor provided him with RBI guidelines mandating equal banking facilities for disabled persons. Armed with this knowledge and Eyeway’s support, Sanat successfully secured his ATM card, marking a significant step towards independence.

Empowered by this victory, Sanat is now pursuing government job opportunities, applying for various positions under Staff Selection Commission. Eyeway continues to support him, providing resources for competitive exam preparation and connecting him with organizations to further his skills.

Sanat’s story is a powerful example of how proper guidance and resources can help visually impaired individuals overcome barriers. From a struggling student in rural Jharkhand to a determined young man pursuing government jobs in Delhi, Sanat’s journey reflects the transformative impact of perseverance.

Team Eyeway