My name is Sumit Kumar Sharma, and I come from a small village called Dudhani Purva in Dumka, Jharkhand. I was born with a 40% visual impairment, which has made my journey through life a challenging one. My family consists of six members: my parents, Naresh Sharma and Shanti Devi, two brothers, two sisters, and myself. My father works as a laborer, and my mother is a homemaker. With my father being the only breadwinner, our family has always struggled financially.

Growing up, life was a mix of hardships and moments of joy. Despite my visual impairment, I was determined to make something of myself. I completed my primary and secondary education at the village school, often relying on sheer determination to overcome the difficulties I faced. After finishing school, I pursued a B.A. degree from Aditya Narayan College in Dumka. This was a big achievement for me, but I knew that the road ahead was still full of challenges.

After graduating, I set my sights on securing a government job, specifically with the railways. I also explored opportunities in the private sector, but I soon realized that computer skills were essential for both railway exams and private sector jobs. However, with our limited financial resources, gaining these skills seemed nearly impossible.

It was during this time that my life took a significant turn. Through a local PRI member, the team of Chetna Vikas learned about my situation and came to visit me. They told me about the Tanya Computer Centre, which offers free education to visually impaired and low-vision children like me. I was thrilled at the possibility of learning something that could open up so many doors for me, but I also knew that my family’s financial situation could make it difficult.

However, the staff at Chetna Vikas were incredibly supportive. Recognizing both my family’s struggles and my eagerness to learn, they enrolled me at the Tanya Computer Centre on August 13, 2022. From that day on, I attended classes regularly and learned how to operate a computer. The staff didn’t just provide technical training; they also gave me psychological and social support, along with career counseling to help me build a brighter future. Every day, as I learned more and more, I felt a sense of happiness and fulfillment that I hadn’t experienced before. I knew that I was on the right path.

By December 31, 2022, I had successfully completed the computer course. With these new skills and the confidence, I had gained, I felt ready to take on the challenges ahead. I applied for the railway exam, which had always been my dream. And this time, with determination and the skills I had acquired, I succeeded.

Today, I am proud to say that I am an integral part of the John South Eastern Railway, currently stationed in Rourkela. My job not only provides much-needed financial support to my family, but it has also given me a sense of purpose and achievement. I’ve come a long way from the small village boy with limited vision, and now, I can stand tall as a symbol of resilience and success for others like me.

I owe so much to Chetna Vikas and Sightsavers India for their invaluable support. Their guidance has not only changed the trajectory of my life but has also empowered me to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for others facing similar challenges. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, determination, and the unwavering support of organizations like Chetna Vikas and the Tanya Computer Centre. I hope that my story can inspire others to believe in themselves, no matter what obstacles they face.