Srikanth Alimela’s Journey: From Job Struggles to Corporate Success & Disability Advocacy
Breaking Barriers with Youth4Jobs
Frustrated and desperate for a job, Srikanth came to the Youth4Jobs training centre in 2014. He had done his graduation and postgraduate degree in Warangal and Hyderabad with a struggle, navigating 40 steps each time, unsteadily with calipers.
Says Srikanth, “Four years after getting my MCA, I wondered why I could not still get a job. Was it my inability or my disability? I was desperate, not looking for a Job. I was looking for any Job.”
Years of rejection slips made him scared and reluctant to face interviews. He read about the Youth4Jobs training program in a newspaper and registered in Hyderabad.
Srikanth was assessed by the Y4J team, given customised trainings for 20 days in their very first batch funded by ABF. Post trainings, he got linked to a job in Global Logic. Post trainings, he got linked to a job in Global Logic.
“I could not believe it. I pinched myself – Did I really get a job?”. He adds that Y4J trainings gave him the “I Can” attitude and inspired him to look beyond his fears.
In two years, he lost his job due to layoffs. But, the earlier trainings in Y4J with his work experience gave him enough confidence now to secure a position in Cognizant through job searches. A visit to catch up with the Y4J trainers led to a better opportunity at Amazon.
Currently he works at Accenture. Changing four jobs for better prospects has taken his annual earnings from Rs.1.8 lakhs per annum to Rs.7.2 lakhs per annum, over a ten-year period.
He admits the Y4J trainings, tailored to youth with disability, built his confidence and were instrumental in his job search and interview preparations. “It changed my life as it gave me financial independence and allowed me to pursue my hobbies.”
His passion for cricket drives him to promote wheelchair cricket with Paralympians. Today, as a Board member of Telangana Divyang Wheelchair Cricket Association, he is committed to helping individuals with disabilities pursue cricket and represent India.
His other interests are travelling and adventure sports. He explored the scenic coastal areas of Karnataka recently. His adventurous spirit leads him to activities like paragliding and ATV bike riding, whenever he travels.
His father admits he never dreamt one day his son would be so independent and happy.Today, in an electric wheelchair which allows him to move around with ease, his ambitions are tinged with a desire to give back to his community.” I want to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, encouraging them to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams,” he adds, having aspirations of his own, while giving wings to others, with disabilities like him, to fly high.
