DARKNESS TO DETERMINATION
Visually Impaired Sanvli SBI’s Clerk turns adversity into achievement
Ferozepur, October 21, 2025: Sanvli, a 42-year-old visually impaired woman born on January 5, 1983, exemplifies unbreakable spirit in the face of life's harshest trials. From humble beginnings to securing a stable job at the State Bank of India (SBI), her story unfolds as a testament to self-reliance, perseverance, and an unwavering hope for a brighter future with a deserving sighted life partner.
I happened to meet Sanvli during my visit to the State Bank of India (SBI) to submit an application for assistance under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, in my capacity as a member of the Home for the Blind. My brief interaction with her left a deep impression on me — her confidence, positivity, and determination despite complete visual impairment were truly inspiring. It was then that I felt compelled to write her story — not just as a record of her remarkable journey, but as a source of motivation for the entire visually impaired community and for anyone who faces life’s challenges with courage.
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Hailing from a modest family in Ferozepur (Punjab), where her father, Kulwant Rai, retired from the Railways, her mother is a homemaker, and her brother works as a property dealer—Sanvli completed her higher secondary education (Plus 2) before pursuing a nursing diploma from Baghi Hospital. She served there as a nurse for three years, showcasing early dedication to healthcare.
Undeterred by her visual impairment, Sanvli earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree privately in 2013. Relying solely on audio learning systems, she trained herself without formal classroom support, demonstrating remarkable self-motivation.
Onset of Visual Impairment and Health Struggles
Up until 2006, Sanvli enjoyed normal vision and an active life. However, in 2007, a severe typhoid infection led to a month-long hospitalization in Ludhiana, marking the beginning of her visual decline. Symptoms escalated when she began perceiving multiple images (two to three overlapping visions). A visit to Jaipur Kekri village for a traditional cabbage insect removal treatment offered temporary normalcy, but tragedy struck at Baghi Hospital: she collapsed unconscious, was rushed to Sobti Hospital in Ludhiana for 15 days, and awoke to newspapers appearing in oversized fonts. Her eyesight vanished completely, leaving her with 100% visual disability.
Today, Sanvli retains negligible sight to recognize colours and identifies people by voice. Despite failed attempts to learn Braille, she adapted swiftly by installing speaking software on her phone and undergoing a computer course at Ludhiana's Vocational Rehabilitation Training Centre (VRTC) in 2013—coinciding with her BA studies.
Fighting Back: Career Triumphs Amid Disability
Refusing to let disability define her, Sanvli cleared the rigorous SBI clerical exam and joined the bank's Regional Business Office in Ferozepur in 2019. Earning over ₹50,000 monthly, she currently handles OTO/TTS calling duties using her mobile and headphones. SBI has equipped her workstation with speaking software for seamless computer operations.
In 2020, she was also selected by Punjab's Nagar Nigam but chose to stay with SBI for better prospects. For mobility, her father dutifully drops her off and picks her up from the bank daily, ensuring her independence.
Marital Challenges and Family Disputes
Sanvli's most trying chapter unfolded in 2016 when she married a blind man employed at Punjab and Sindh Bank in Ludhiana. The union lasted two and a half years (2016–2018), fraught with hardships. In 2018, she returned to her parental home amid escalating family disputes. A mutual divorce was finalized in 2022, with Sanvli receiving only her gold jewelry as compensation—no further settlement.
This period tested her resilience, as she navigated emotional turmoil while rebuilding her life. Relatives in the UK explored advanced aids like smart glasses with text-reading chips and sensor-equipped white canes, but no restorative treatment was available.
Looking Forward: Hope for a Sincere Sighted Partner
Now settled in her SBI role, Sanvli harbours quiet optimism that her sight might one day return, though she has fully embraced her adaptive lifestyle. Her worried parents, determined to secure her independence beyond their lifetime, are actively seeking a suitable match: a sincere, honest, sighted individual who values her strength and achievements.
"I have compromised with my lifestyle but not my dreams," Sanvli shared adding the full cooperation from my colleagues. "With family support and technology, I've fought every battle. Now, I look forward to a life partner who sees my heart, not just my challenges."
Sanvli's journey inspires countless visually impaired individuals, proving that determination can turn obstacles into opportunities. Her family remains hopeful for a match that honours her extraordinary spirit.