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Regardless of background, finances or gender, you can get where you want to be. Anything is possible if you dream big, and Pratiksha's story shows you just that. Pratiksha was only a sweeper at a bank, but she dared to dream. She is now an Assistant General Manager at the same bank where she worked as a sweeper.
Here's her story. We hope it can inspire you always to pursue your dreams and work hard to achieve them.
Pratiksha didn't have an easy life. Her parents had her married off at the age of 17 due to financial troubles. She hadn't even completed her 10th grade. Her husband, Sadashiv Kadu, was a bookbinder at a Mumbai State Bank of India branch. Unfortunately, right after the birth of her son, she lost her husband in an accident. This changed her life forever. She now had an infant to take care of and no one to provide for her. She had to work to earn money for expenses. However, with the education that she had, finding employment was difficult. So she asked the bank where her late husband worked to help her with a job so she could survive.
She soon started a job at SBI as a sweeper. She made around 60-65 INR in a month. For this amount, she would clean the restrooms, dust the furniture, and sweep the branch's property for two hours in the morning. Her remaining time was spent caring for her son and managing the house. She also worked menial jobs for extra income.
She worked hard, but when she looked at the people around her with better-paying jobs, she decided that's where she wanted to be. She needed to improve her economic condition if she had to survive. Instead of complaining about the daily grind, she worked her current jobs and pursued her education at the same time.
Her first step was passing the 10th grade. She aimed to give the banking exam, which required a minimum qualification of 10+2. With help from friends and relatives, she managed to buy supplies like books. She gained admission into a night college and passed her class 12th exams. She even earned a degree in Psychology much later.
In 1993, Pratiksha married a bank messenger, Pramod Tondwalkar, who encouraged her every step of the way. She had two children with him. She was promoted to the post of clerk in the bank. Her husband helped out with house chores and child care. Soon Pratiksha was promoted to the position of trainee officer. But she didn't stop there. Her financial condition improved. She worked hard and rose through many posts over the course of 18 years. Finally, she earned the title of SBI's Assistant General Manager.
Last year, she earned a degree in Naturopathy and is now looking to make a career post her retirement at SBI. She is happy and enjoys working. Pratiksha is truly an inspiration. She fought against all odds and came out as a winner. Just like her, you can be what you want to be too! Opt for career counselling,or take up free courses at Glow & Lovely Careers(formerly known as Fair & Lively Career Foundation).