From Ludhiana, Punjab, 22-year-old Ramanjot Kaur begins her day like most working women — tying her hair, adjusting her uniform, and heading to her job at Burger King. But behind that routine lies a journey few would imagine.
Born deaf, Ramanjot grew up in a world that rarely paused to understand her. Conversations happened around her. Doors to education and employment were often shut — not because she lacked potential, but because systems weren’t built for someone like her.
“I always felt invisible — like I was present, but not part of the world,”
she shares through a sign language interpreter.
She completed her education till Class 10, but the real challenge began after school ended. Jobs weren’t accessible, communication was a constant struggle, and even asking for help felt like shouting into the void.
The Turning Point
One day, a WhatsApp forward changed everything — it was about Sarthak Educational Trust’s training program for persons with disabilities. She hesitated at first. Would they understand her needs? Would they be patient? But she took the leap.
Over the next three months, through Sarthak’s JEET Program, she underwent training in basic computers, life skills, English, and sector-specific skills — all through an inclusive online setup equipped with sign language support and mentors who didn’t just teach, but genuinely understood her.
For the first time, Ramanjot wasn’t learning in isolation. She was part of a group. She made friends. She raised her (virtual) hand in class. Slowly, the girl who once avoided eye contact began signing with confidence. Her silence no longer meant hesitation — it was her unique voice.
A New Beginning
After the program, Sarthak placed her in a nearby Burger King outlet. Her first day at work was surreal. “I was nervous, but also excited to be part of something,” she recalls with a smile.
- 💼 First job at Burger King
- 💰 Earning ₹1.2 LPA
- 🚉 Commutes independently
- 🌟 Family proud and supportive
Now, in her village, she's no longer just “the deaf girl.” She’s someone with a job, with purpose, with pride.
“She’s changed how we see ability,” her mother says. “We used to think she needed protection. Now she protects our hopes.”
Ramanjot’s story isn’t just about overcoming disability — it’s about challenging perception. She didn’t just find a job; she found identity, dignity, and a seat at the table.
