The day Shantanu Kumar Mohanta held his first salary in hand, he felt alive again. For the first time in years, he was not dependent on anyone — not for survival, not for dignity. It was more than money; it was proof that he still had a future.
Yet, the journey to this moment was long and painful.
Born into a modest farming family in Odisha, Shantanu grew up watching his father toil hard to support his children. In 2015, just after completing his 12th standard and brimming with ambition, he was struck by malaria. The medicines meant to cure him triggered severe infections in his eyes and mouth. What began as blurred vision worsened over the years, and by 2022, Shantanu lost his sight completely.
The darkness wasn’t only physical — it clouded his confidence too. Isolation, fear, and despair set in, and at one point, he even thought of giving up on life. But his family refused to let him break. His father, despite limited means, invested every saving to give his son another chance.
The First Steps of Recovery
With their support, Shantanu completed ITI and later sought training at AICB, Rohini (Delhi), where he learned mobility, grooming, daily living skills, and Braille. A close relative — completely blind yet working at NTPC Delhi — further inspired him to believe that his disability did not define his future.
The Turning Point with Sarthak
His true transformation came at Sarthak Educational Trust’s Bhubaneshwar Center. Here, Shantanu was introduced to assistive technologies, employability training, and professional grooming. More importantly, he rediscovered his confidence. Once hesitant and struggling with a stammer, he began speaking up, engaging in discussions, and presenting himself with pride.
The Breakthrough
Job hunting was tough — rejections came often — but Shantanu persisted. During his interview with Vishal Mega Mart, he impressed the panel not just with skills but with resilience, sincerity, and empathy. He was offered the role of Customer Sales Associate with a salary package of ₹1.7 LPA.
That first job brought him more than independence — it brought peace of mind. Shantanu was overjoyed that he would no longer see his father burdened with worry. And his father, who had sacrificed everything for him, was equally proud to watch his son stand on his own feet, successful and earning with dignity.
Looking Ahead
- 🎓 Pursuing his Bachelor’s degree
- 📚 Preparing for government service examinations
- 🌟 Advocating for more training centers in Odisha
Shantanu’s journey is a reminder that blindness may have taken his sight, but not his vision. With resilience, family sacrifice, and the right support from Sarthak Educational Trust, he transformed despair into determination — and built a life that inspires many.
