From Grinding Grains to Changing Lives: How Jamuna Prasad Found Purpose After Polio

Summary

“I had finally found where I belonged,” he says, his voice filled with emotion.

Jamuna Prasad, from a small village in Rajasthan, lost mobility to polio at age four and his father at nine. Despite growing up in poverty, he worked hard to support his family and never gave up on education. In 2023, he joined Youth4Jobs Foundation, where he now helps persons with disabilities access government schemes, pensions, UDID cards, training, and jobs. His own struggles give him the empathy to support others with dignity and care.

“I didn’t just get a job—I found a mission,” says Jamuna.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

‘From Grinding Grains to Changing Lives: How Jamuna Prasad Found Purpose After Polio’

Born in the small village of Bandh Baraitha in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district, Jamuna Prasad’s early life was anything but easy. At just four years old, he was struck by a high fever. Despite his parents’ repeated visits to doctors, the illness left him with polio.

This early disability became the backdrop of his life. But it didn’t define his dreams.

Tragedy struck again when he was nine. His father passed away in 1987, leaving behind six children and a wife who now had to fend for the family on her own. She worked endlessly—earning just ₹10 a day. There were days when there wasn’t enough food for even one meal. But amidst this daily struggle, a quiet fire was building in young Jamuna.

“I didn’t want to be a burden on anyone,” he recalls.
After finishing his 10th standard, he moved to his maternal uncle’s house to study further. At the same time, he worked as a confectioner to support himself. Later, he and his brother opened a small flour mill—grinding grains to keep the household running.

But for Jamuna, life wasn’t just about survival. It was about moving forward.

 

Shifting roles, steady growth
In 2006, Jamuna got his first steady job at PACL Company. For ten long years, he worked there, slowly bringing stability to his family. A turning point came in 2015 when he got married—a moment that filled him with renewed hope.

Between 2015 and 2020, he explored different avenues—becoming a board member in his village and running an e-Mitra center. Through this small digital kiosk, he helped fellow villagers access essential services like bill payments, pensions, and ID cards. Quietly, he was becoming a bridge between rural citizens and the government.

But it wasn’t until 2023 that Jamuna found the role that felt truly right.

Becoming a changemaker
On 20 February 2023, Jamuna joined Youth4Jobs Foundation, an organization that empowers persons with disabilities through training, skilling, and livelihoods.

“I had finally found where I belonged,” he says, his voice filled with emotion.

Today, he works on the ground, helping persons with disabilities navigate government schemes—from securing disability certificates and pensions to applying for foster care and job-linked programs.

“I understand their silence. I know what it means to be ignored.”
His lived experiences allow him to listen deeply, offer genuine support, and walk beside those trying to find a way forward. He recalls how often his own struggles—of being hungry, dismissed, or seen as incapable—now help him build trust with others in similar situations.

“I didn’t just get a job. I found a mission. Youth4Jobs gave me a platform to serve, to grow, to uplift others like me.”

 

From flour mills to fieldwork, a story of transformation
Jamuna has gone from grinding grains in a small shed to becoming a respected figure in his village—someone who’s showing others what is possible, despite the odds.

His story stands as a reminder: When dignity meets opportunity, even the toughest lives can be rewritten.

Like the thousands he now supports, Jamuna once just needed a chance. And now, he’s creating that chance for others.

“I walk into homes where no one believed in them. I sit beside them and tell them—I believe in you. Because someone once believed in me.”

 

Are you ready to take the next step in your career?
Visit the Swarajability Job Portal today and explore hundreds of job opportunities tailored for persons with disabilities. Youth4Jobs and inclusive employers are here to help you achieve your dreams.

👉 Candidates: Register now to discover jobs that match your skills and aspirations.
👉 Employers: Sign up to access a pool of skilled, job-ready talent and build inclusive teams.
👉 Partners: Collaborate with us to create lasting impact and drive change for disability inclusion.

Register now on Swarajability

How to Get Started

1. Register on Swarajability: Create a profile on the Swarajability Job Portal and upload your resume.
2. Explore Job Listings: Browse through hundreds of job opportunities tailored for persons with disabilities.
3. Apply for Jobs: Apply for roles that match your skills and interests.
4. Attend Training Programs: Enroll in Youth4Jobs’ skill development programs to enhance your employability.
5. Get Hired: Land your dream job and embark on a fulfilling career journey.

Students with Blindness Training at Youth4Jobs Training Centres for Persons with Disabilities