[Survivor Series] I did not want my hearing impairment to come in the way of employment

I am Yogitha CM, a Vidyadhan (a flagship higher education scholarship program of the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives) student from a small village near Channapatna in Karnataka. My family comes from an agricultural background.

I have faced many challenges since my birth. My hearing impairment posed a rough life but with a sharp mind and a determined attitude, I overcame my challenges, one by one.

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The government school where I studied was 10km away from my village. However, cycling to school with my friends in rain or shine made this ordeal seem great fun. My excellent results were the fruit of encouragement from my teachers and friends.

I went on to study engineering in Bangalore. Long commutes were again my reality. I scored well but had to face disappointments at the time of placements. Big companies found that I was differently abled and that was a big challenge to them. But, I did not want to let go of my dreams of getting into a job.

Hence, I changed my focus and trained myself to apply for government jobs. I found success when I got a job with India Post. I am now the highest qualified person in my office with the most technological skills. I am much sought after to solve the technological and procedural problems in my office.

I still have the vexing problem of long commutes, but at least I have the satisfaction of being independent and earning well. I am looking forward to trying to get into the IAS cadre to be a shining example of triumph over adversity.