New Delhi: Some tales have a profound impact on people’s lives that lasts for a very long time. They are not just inspirational. The motivational tale of today is that of Pratiksha Tondwalkar, who started off at State Bank of India as a sweeper, cleaning the restrooms and the property furniture before rising to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM).
Pratiksha Tondwalkar’s journey from marriage at the age of 17 to widowhood at the age of 20, earning between Rs 60 and Rs 65 a month as an SBI sweeper, to becoming SBI AGM is a moving reminder that if you don’t give up in the face of hardship, you will eventually taste the sweet taste of success.
Pratiksha Tondwalkar Married at 17, widowed at 20
Due to her parents’ financial difficulties, Pratiksha married Sadashiv Kadu at the age of 17 before she could complete her class 10 exams. Kadu was a bookbinder for SBI in Mumbai. At the age of 20, Pratiksha was fighting for her life after Kadu was tragically died in an accident while the couple was traveling to their village.
Pratiksha Tondwalkar Once Worked as a sweeper at SBI
Pratiksha’s lack of schooling made it difficult for him to find a job that suited him. In order to provide for her family and complete her high school education, she was compelled to work as a sweeper at SBI. While taking care of her son and working at other menial occupations, she made about Rs 60–65 a month cleaning the lavatory and sweeping the furnishings in the house. To support her son, Pratiksha went above and beyond what was necessary, burning the candle at both ends.
Pratiksha Tondwalkar Promoted to bank clerk from sweeper
Every significant achievement has its phases of hardship and triumph, and Pratiksha’s was no exception. Pratiksha didn’t complain and moan when nothing seemed to be working in her favour. She needed to find a way because she knew that those who give up and allow pessimism to persist will never find solutions. After passing the 12th grade exam, she enrolled at a night college in Vikhroli, Mumbai, and then majored in psychology at another night college. Later on, she went from being a cleaner to a bank clerk.
Pratiksha Tondwalkar Becomes SBI AGM
In 1993, Pratiksha got married again. She was urged to take banking tests by her husband, Pramod Tondwalkar, who was very supportive. Pratiksha changed the course of events and brought about a major transformation. She went into overdrive and gave her work her best effort. Pratiksha’s dedication and hard work earned her a promotion to trainee officer. Later on, she became the CGM and eventually the AGM. In another two years, Pratiksha will be retiring.
Pratiksha’s career from sweeper to AGM at SBI demonstrates how perseverance and hard work eventually start to pay off.