I Wanted to Stand on My Own Feet–Rishu Bhardwaj

Rishu Bhardwaj’s story begins in a quiet town in Punjab, in a home filled with warmth, love, and the kind of unwavering support that can shape a person’s future. Born with profound hearing loss, Rishu learned early on to express herself not through words, but through gestures, expressions, and sign language. Even as a child, she radiated joy—often found experimenting in the kitchen or playing with makeup, delighting in small, everyday pleasures that mirrored her creative, spirited nature.

Her parents first sensed something was different when she didn’t respond to everyday sounds. At first, there was confusion and worry. But instead of letting fear take over, they reached out—to doctors, experts, and loved ones—gathering the tools and wisdom they needed to support her. With time, Rishu’s home became not just a space of care, but a foundation of empowerment.

She attended an integrated school where deaf students learned together, yet were expected to take exams alongside hearing peers. The challenges were immense—communication gaps, lack of accessible resources, and an often-unaccommodating system. But Rishu was undeterred. Bolstered by her family’s constant encouragement, she navigated each hurdle with quiet determination.

Her life took a meaningful turn when she learned about Youth4Jobs, a platform dedicated to training and placing young people with disabilities. Introduced to the organization by her husband, who is also deaf, Rishu saw an opportunity to take the next big step toward independence. She eagerly joined the training program and immersed herself in learning.

In that one month of training, something remarkable happened. Not only did she sharpen her workplace skills, but she also became a mentor of sorts—encouraging other deaf candidates to believe in their potential. Her optimism was contagious.

Then came the big break. Rishu was invited for an interview with Aditya Birla, and when her offer letter finally arrived, it was more than a job—it was a symbol of how far she’d come. Her family erupted in celebration, her phone buzzed with messages from friends, and for Rishu, it felt like a dream turning real.

Knowing how hard the journey can be, Rishu began referring other deaf candidates to Youth4Jobs. Whenever she came across a job opening, she shared it with her community. She became a quiet but powerful bridge—connecting people like her to new opportunities and reminding them that they, too, belonged in the workforce.

Still, the path was not without struggle. The world outside her family wasn’t always kind or inclusive. Many companies hesitated to hire persons with disabilities. Finding a job required more than a degree—it demanded persistence, community, and courage. Rishu believes the real challenge isn’t just academic; it’s systemic. There are still so many barriers to quality education and inclusive employment.

But through it all, she remained steadfast. Today, Rishu is more than just employed—she is empowered. She credits her parents, her husband, and Youth4Jobs for believing in her potential when the world often didn’t. Her story is a shining example of what’s possible when inclusion meets determination.

“Never give up,” she says. “With the right support, even the most difficult dreams can come true.”

Rishu’s journey is a celebration of resilience, a call for inclusion, and above all, a reminder that every individual—regardless of ability—deserves the chance to thrive

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