Nothing is impossible for a person who refuses to accept defeat in the face of difficulties. Pratiksha became a widow at the young age of 20. As a single mother, she raised her son and got herself educated to become an officer at the bank where she once worked as a sweeper.
Pune: In this inspiring story, Pune’s Pratiksha Tondwalkar became an officer in the same bank she had worked as a sweeper for many years. She was born 1964 and got married at an early age of 17. Her husband did the work of book binding in SBI bank.
Two years later, a son was born. In 1984, the couple was on their way to meet their families to seek their blessings when an accident occurred. Pratiksha’s husband died in the accident while she survived with her son. The family responsibilities fell on her shoulders and life became miserable.
Taking up a job
Pratiksha had studied till 8th grade and was not allowed to receive education any further. She did not have a diploma which would have made it easier for her to get a job. Therefore, she started working at the same bank, her husband had worked at, as a sweeper. Her monthly income was Rs 65; it was not enough but at least she could provide for her son.
Pratiksha always wanted to do a better job, but her limited educational background was restrictive.
Resuming studies
Pratiksha realized that getting educated was her only way out of this miserable life. She discussed about it with her friends and some bank employees. She received support from many people and could clear the 12th exams through their guidance.
The next aim was to pursue a bachelor's degree. She attended a night college in 1995 and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. To give her son a better life, she kept persevering and got herself educated.
Second marriage
Pratiksha got remarried in 1993 with Pramod Tondwalkar; he was working as a bank postman. Pramod helped her manage the household and looked after the house when she studied. He was moved to see Pratiksha’s dedication so, after her graduation, he encouraged her to attend coaching classes to appear for the banking examinations.
She continued receiving support from the bank. Pratiksha appeared for the bank exams, cleared them, and was hired as a clerk in the SBI office in 2004. Later, she worked as a trainee officer and in the year 2022, she got promoted for the post of an assistant manager in the same bank.
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