"As I was completing my MBA, I wanted to join an organization that would value my capabilities and give me opportunities to learn and explore my interests in building a great customer experience. Mahindra’s GMC program felt like the right fit. I expressed an interest in the Automotive business during the hiring process. I was earlier made to believe that working in Automotive could be challenging owing to my disability. However, to my pleasant surprise, the senior leaders at Mahindra backed my passion and I landed my first stint as an area sales manager. I learnt everything here, from independently visiting dealers to mystery shopping to even cold-calling customers. It has been the most challenging and rewarding phase of my career so far.

As part of the Business Transformation team at Mahindra’s Automotive Division, I am currently working to develop a charging ecosystem for the customers of our first electric SUV. It is thrilling to build capabilities, processes, and partnerships that ensure a world-class charging experience. Throughout everything I do at work, my team has been my best support system and the first line of defence. They are the ones who plug the gaps in accessibility and inclusion to ensure that I’m motivated and productive all the time.

While growing up, my parents made me believe that my disability was less a limitation and more a quirk. This ensured that I never limited myself, but I never really embraced my identity as a PWD either. That is until I found a set of people I could relate to. These were individuals leading independent lives, thriving in their careers, and willing to help and share experiences. As I prepared to leave home, these people gave me the skills, know-how, and confidence to forge my path independently. I now embrace my identity as a corporate executive who enjoys cycling, baking, and making 3D art, and just happens to be visually impaired.

The majority of PWDs in India and around the world are not as privileged. They must receive the support, training and exposure that has enabled me to come this far. I believe today’s organizations understand the value of equity. The United Nations estimates that 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. That’s over a billion people and every single one of them has unique capabilities and needs. Companies should invest in understanding and catering to their unique requirements both as customers and potential employees. I strongly believe that disability inclusion if done right, would make perfect business sense, while enabling this underserved and underrepresented community to rise.“

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