Baljeet Singh was 10 years old when he fell ill and due to wrong treatment, lost his vision.
Now 34, the Deputy Manager, State Bank of India, Manesar, looks back at the intervening years. “Suddenly from attending a regular school and hoping for a career in politics, like my father, my parents admitted me to Capt. Chandanlal Special School for Blind in Gurgaon. I joined Class 5 in 1997 and continued till Class 8 which is what the residential school offers. I learnt Braille in one week – could write well but was slow in reading. Initially, was sad and lonely but adjusted and settled down fast. My family would meet me every week. Mentally, have been very strong since childhood.”
It was while in CCSSB that Baljeet’s approach towards studies changed. He found the teachers went beyond just classrooms – opening many doors for visually impaired students. He names “Founder Mr Jawahar Lal Kaul for his immense dedication and for bringing technology to us students. Sanjeev Anand, the Administrator and a non-teaching staff during my time, inspired us with his positive attitude. Teacher Prabhu Narayan Thakur taught us Social Science and how to recognise different countries, oceans, mountains and rivers of the world. In Class 8, Ma’am Neena was our English teacher. She is now the Principal. She gave me exposure to speech and pronunciation and helped build my self-confidence.”
In 2001 Baljeet moved to mainstream schools, doing his 10th from Govt. High School, Manesar, and 12th from Govt Senior Secondary School, Pachgoan. Main opportunities came his way in 2005 when Baljeet joined Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College for his Bachelor’s program in Political Science.
“Realising a career in politics was not possible due to my disability, I did the next best thing. Became politically active in college and worked extensively for better facilities for the physically and visually disadvantaged,” Baljeet stresses.
His determination got the college to provide JAWS (Job Access With Speech) computers for the 15 blind students plus an exclusive computer room were visually impaired teacher Kusum Lata taught them. As part of the Student’s Body, this undergrad student was assured that one Disabled Student would be on the Student’s Committee every year. He then set up ‘Lehar’ a group comprising disabled students who would showcase their talents on stage – singing, dancing, reciting poetry and acting in plays.
“I can confidently say that our college set an example for other colleges in Delhi University on how to care better for the disabled. And, yes, I was the leader of handicapped students to ensure these programs were pushed further,” the ex-student leader affirms.
Upon graduating at 21, Baljeet gave his passion for a political career one more chance. He appeared for his Civil Services exams seven times and was called for interviews thrice. Not succeeding in them he decided to look for another job. In 2014 he joined State Bank of India, Manesar, as a Probationary Officer and in 2020 had climbed the rung to his present post as DM.
Baljeet’s other interests include a family consortium, Shri Kallu Ram Singh Nambardar Memorial Trust which funds education for underprivileged children.
In addition, Baljeet is the Convenor of Rashtriya Senani Sangh established as a tribute to heroic freedom fighter Rao Raja Tula Ram. The main purpose of the organisation is to establish the late esteemed martyr, one of the prominent leaders of the Indian Uprising of 1857 against the colonial British forces, as a state icon in Haryana.
Married to Poonam Yadav in 2019, they have a 1-1/2-year-old son Suryansh Yadav.
Beyond that Baljeet proudly concludes by giving credit to his role model father, Rao Surat Singh Nambardar. “He made me the man I am today. He motivated me never to give up and continue fighting against all odds. Has always been there in my time of need, and supported me like a pillar.”
Contact:
Baljeet Singh
Mobile: +91-9873981987 / +91-9319238435
