By Nagaraj Sutar

When I look back on my journey as an Associate Accessibility Auditor at SaralX, one belief has remained constant:

I am the architect of my life.

 

Although I am 100% blind, I have always believed that no one can think better about my future than I can. Making decisions requires purpose, knowledge, logic, and exposure—not sight. Every experience in my life has reinforced this belief. Each challenge has strengthened my confidence and inspired me to move forward without fear. I have learned that obstacles often exist more in our minds than in our lives.

It was May 2017, and I was eagerly waiting for my Class 10 board examination results. That day, I barely felt hungry because I could think of nothing except the outcome. Finally, at 2:00 PM, the results were announced—I had scored 95.04%.

Although I was happy, I accepted the result with mixed emotions because I had hoped to achieve 100%. Nevertheless, I chose to move forward.

 

Soon came the decision of choosing a college for higher secondary education. I wanted to study at Alva’s PU College in Moodbidri, Karnataka, known for its excellent academic standards. However, my parents strongly disagreed. They wanted me to enroll in a local college and complete my education closer to home.

I knew that attending one of the local colleges would limit my opportunities because of the quality of education available there. Instead of giving up, I called the Principal of Alva’s PU College myself to inquire about admissions. He informed me that, based on my academic performance, I would receive admission with a full fee waiver.

When I shared this news with my parents, they were delighted. We visited the college together, completed the admission process, and returned home happily.

 

Studying at Alva’s turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I received free education, hostel accommodation, transportation, and excellent support, including a reliable scribe. I completed both Class 11 and Class 12 there with 91.33%. More importantly, I fulfilled my dream of studying at the institution I had always admired.

After completing Class 12, I realized that I wanted to improve my English communication skills.

I remembered the advice of a senior from school who once told me:

“If you stay in a place where everyone speaks English, you’ll naturally learn it.”

 

Those words stayed with me.

 

I decided to study at a college where English was the primary language of instruction. During my research, I came across St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. I learned that classes were conducted entirely in English, and I immediately knew it was where I wanted to study.

Once again, my parents were initially hesitant. However, with time, they became convinced, and with the blessings of my beloved Goddess, Shri Shirasangi Kalikamba Mother, I secured admission to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

 

At that time, my dream was to become an IAS officer.

 

The years I spent at St. Xavier’s transformed me academically, personally, and professionally. They strengthened both my confidence and my aspiration to serve the nation through the Civil Services.

After graduation, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. I gave three sincere attempts, determined to become an IAS officer and contribute to the country.

 

Despite my efforts, I was unsuccessful.

 

One day, I sat quietly and asked myself, “What should I do now?”

At that moment, I remembered all the decisions I had confidently made earlier in my life. Those same bells of self-belief and courage rang once again.

I also recalled a quote shared by the father of Dr. David Hartman, the world’s first blind doctor. Whenever young David asked, “Dad, can I ride a bicycle?” his father would reply:

 

“You’ll never know unless you try.”

 

Those words changed my perspective.

I realized that I would never know what other opportunities life had in store unless I was willing to explore them.

That realization encouraged me to step away from my long-held dream of becoming an IAS officer and discover a new career path. Since technology had always fascinated me, I chose to explore the field of Digital Accessibility.

 

Within nine months, I joined SaralX as an Associate Accessibility Auditor.

Today, I feel I have found a profession that genuinely aligns with my interests and strengths. My work feels meaningful, and I can contribute naturally without forcing myself.

More importantly, Digital Accessibility has given me an opportunity to create a positive impact that extends far beyond geographical boundaries. While becoming an IAS officer would have allowed me to serve India, Digital Accessibility enables me to contribute towards making digital products accessible for people across the world.

Helping build a more inclusive digital world gives me immense satisfaction.

I will always remain grateful to Dr. Akashdeep Bansal, Founder and CEO of SaralX, and the entire SaralX team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.

 

When I reflect on every turning point in my life, I realize that blindness has never prevented me from living life on my own terms. Instead, every decision has reinforced my belief that I am the architect of my life.

This philosophy resonates deeply with the teachings of Jeevan Vidya by Sadhguru Shri Wamanrao Pai, and I wholeheartedly relate to its message.

It also reminds me of the teachings of Swami Vivekananda in Karma Yoga—that everything we need already exists within us.

Every decision I have made has strengthened my confidence to remain in the driver’s seat of my own life and move steadily toward my chosen destination with purpose and determination.

 

Those decisions remind me every day:

“Yes, I can make my own decisions.”

“Yes, I can think independently.”

 

To me, these are the essential ingredients of a fulfilling life.

 

I remain forever grateful to my beloved Goddess, Shri Shirasangi Kalikamba Mother, for blessing me with clarity of thought and the courage to trust my instincts.

I believe that every person is blessed with an active mind and an inner intuition that works like a GPS, guiding us in the right direction. If we learn to listen to it with a calm and focused mind, and make decisions with conviction, success will eventually follow.