Securing financial independence

Mayaram, a 28-year-old resident of Kota, Rajasthan, was born with 100% vision impairment due to a medical reaction during his mother’s pregnancy. Growing up in a household with four siblings, Mayaram’s early years were marked by challenges. His father, the family’s sole breadwinner and a farmer, passed away when Mayaram was just 14, leaving his mother to shoulder the responsibility of raising five children.

Determined to provide for her family, Mayaram’s mother found work at an Anganwadi. At the age of five, his parents enrolled him in a general school in Kota, where he studied until fifth grade.
A turning point came when they learned about a special school for visually impaired children. He was then enrolled in Kota Blind School, starting again from first grade and continuing through Class 8.

Later he went to Ajmer Blind School where he studied for Class 9 to12. During his time in Ajmer, he received a laptop from the school and was sent to Jaipur for specialized training in using computers with screen readers. His talents extended beyond academics and he participated in musical competitions, winning several prizes.

After finishing school, Mayaram pursued higher education, completing his graduation and a B.Ed. from Jodhpur. However, after graduation he found himself at a crossroads, unsure of the next steps. It was then that a friend introduced him to the Eyeway Helpdesk.

He reaching out to Eyeway about a year ago expressing his desperate need for employment. The counsellor added him to the daily alerts WhatsApp broadcast which would keep him up to speed with latest job vacancies. The counsellor also connected him with the Desai Foundation for a three-month spoken English course, ensuring that he acquires suitable employability skills.

Mayaram’s perseverance paid off when, in July, he was selected as a clerk at the State Bank of India. Despite initial setbacks due to document errors, with guidance from Eyeway, he successfully cleared the verification process. Today, Mayaram works at the SBI branch in Kota, a testament to his resilience and determination.

His journey from a child born blind to a working professional serves as an inspiration, showcasing the power of education, support, and unwavering resolve in overcoming life’s challenges.

Team Eyeway