A visually impaired person from a lower middle class family of Bihar who cracked the prestigious civil services exam and achieved other desired goals too, is an inspiration for the society. Donning several caps as a bureaucrat, writer, sports enthusiast, Rajesh Singh is presently serving as Joint Secretary, Department of Woman, Child Development and Social Security, Jharkhand and Project Director, Integrated Child Protection Scheme Jharkhand, speaks about his life, struggle and achievement in an interview with The Pioneer.
After losing your eyesight, what kept you motivated?
After losing my eyesight at an age of 6, I decided to do something which will benefit the entire society. I always try to highlight points from the perspective of a visually challenged person that how our society sometimes perceives differently abled people as disabled, failing to recognize their talents and skills. Time and again society fails to recognize the humanitarian needs and is non-conducive to the progress of the marginalised sections, including those who may be differently abled, economically or socially backward.
Talking about your earlier days, how did you manage your academics and targeted your goal?
It requires a rigorous hard work, especially for a differently abled person nothing is easy. However, various screen reading softwares are available now which make studies convenient. As far as my aim was concerned, I was confident where I have to reach despite the circumstances and hindrances.
Do you think even after having immense potential, differently abled people are discriminated in the society?
I cannot completely deny the fact. As a differently abled person you need to convince people and make them understand your potential as a leader. You just cannot do away with fact that you are differently abled and you are dependent on someone.
You too had to fight a legal battle after cracking the civil services exam in 2006. What was the reason behind?
This was the biggest challenge; it is well known to all that no body likes to share power structure. Being a differently abled person you go through such trauma always but as an individual I wanted to set an example for others. Society just cannot underestimate any person’s competence.
Recently you penned down a book. Can you elaborate on its concept?
A first of its kind in its genre ‘I: Putting the Eye in IAS’, my book endeavors to take the readers through not only the external but also the internal struggles fought at different fronts by differently challenged people. I hope my work motivates not only the visually challenged people but every individual in this society who is going through his/her own personal battle to unleash his/her potential to the fullest and become their best selves in the process.
What are your hobbies? Are you working on any project?
I am passionate about sports, I follow cricket religiously. I had represented India thrice at the World Cup Cricket for the visually challenged. This apart, I enjoy writing and exploring things. I am jotting my next book which is based on the lives of marginalised children.
Facebook comments