The Tracking Indian Youth Workers Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the lives of young workers across India.
After a life-altering accident in 2021, 28-year-old Yogendra Pratap Singh had to put his dream of becoming a teacher on hold. But through years of recovery and quiet determination, he found a new path—reskilling in data analytics and helping others along the way. In this conversation, he reflects on the challenges of disability, job searching, and staying hopeful.
“Unfortunately, due to my disability, I’ve faced significant challenges in securing a job. Many organizations tend to prefer candidates with less severe disabilities, and despite applying to several positions, I haven't received any call backs. Most of my applications are rejected, and sometimes my forms are cancelled without any explanation.”
Read his full story below. Profile by Jaisica Tanwar.
Jaisica: Tell me about yourself.
Yogendra: My name is Yogendra Pratap Singh. I am 28 years old and was born in Roshnabad, Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh. My family consists of six members. My father is a government teacher in a primary school, and my mother is a homemaker. As the eldest son, I bear the responsibility of supporting my younger siblings.
In 2021 I met with an accident that turned my life upside down. Before that, I was physically healthy and active. I was returning home on a bike with my teacher when we were hit by a car. The accident left me with severe injuries to both legs and took a toll on my mental well-being. After my accident, the doctors told my family there was only a 10% chance I’d survive. They were hesitant to even begin treatment. But my father stood firm—he insisted they do whatever they could. If he hadn’t made that decision, I might not be here today.
Today, I have a locomotor disability—my right leg functions with the support of a rod, and a plate in my left leg helps me walk. My treatment went on for nearly three years, up until 2024.
Jaisica: Who has been your biggest support through everything?
Yogendra: My whole family has stood by me, but my mother has been my strongest pillar. She’s there for me every moment—emotionally, practically, and even when I make mistakes, she shields me. Beyond her, my other family members and relatives have also been a source of strength, constantly reassuring me that I will still be able to achieve my dreams.
Jaisica: How much have you studied?
Yogendra: I completed my graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Kanpur University in Uttar Pradesh.
Jaisica: What was your childhood dream?
Yogendra: Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher, just like my father. But after the accident and the three-year gap that followed, my perspective shifted. I decided to explore opportunities in the private sector instead. Given my interest and growing skills in data analytics, I realized this field would be a better fit for me now.
Jaisica: What is your current job?
Yogendra: I’m not currently employed, though I have skills in data analytics—including Python, SQL, Excel, and Power BI. Unfortunately, due to my disability, I’ve faced significant challenges in securing a job. Many organizations tend to prefer candidates with less severe disabilities, and despite applying to several positions, I haven't received any call backs.
Most of my applications are rejected, and sometimes my forms are cancelled without any explanation. I plan to contact customer support to understand the reasons behind this and figure out how I can improve my chances going forward.
Jaisica: Are you pursuing anything currently?
Yogendra: I came across Samarthanam Trust on social media and decided to enroll in their training program to strengthen my skills and improve my chances of employment.
I joined the trust through a placement-focused program. The training covers data analytics, computer skills, data visualization, interview preparation, and overall career development. It’s designed to enhance both our technical knowledge and our confidence for future job opportunities. Even though I had the required skills, finding a job was still a challenge. At the trust, the trainers and mentors have really helped me sharpen my abilities and boost my confidence, especially when it comes to preparing for job opportunities.
Jaisica: What are your professional goals?
Yogendra: I want to secure a job as soon as possible and build a stable source of income. Recently, I received a call from Genpact and cleared the first round of interviews. While I’m hopeful, I’m not putting all my hopes on one opportunity. I’ve asked my mentors to inform me about other openings, and I’ve also shared my resume with another company. In fact, I have a mock interview scheduled today to prepare myself better.
In the long run, I aspire to become an entrepreneur. In today’s world, relying on a single job is not enough. I believe everyone should have a source of passive income as well.
Jaisica: Do the job offers you’re receiving match your skills?
Yogendra: I have a strong foundation in data analytics and have completed several projects in the field. I’m also active on LinkedIn, where I regularly share my work and achievements. However, most of the opportunities that come my way are for BPO roles, which don’t align with my skill set. Still, with rising unemployment, if I don’t find something more suitable, I may have to take what’s available.
Jaisica: What do you do in your free time?
Yogendra: I try not to waste my free time—I’m constantly thinking about job opportunities and ways to improve my prospects. I strongly believe that technical skills can open doors, both in domestic and international markets. Even without a traditional job, freelancing offers great potential.
Jaisica: What are your views on youth employment?
Yogendra: In Uttar Pradesh, I’ve observed a serious lack of new job opportunities—especially for people with disabilities like me. Many young people still believe that a government job is the only path to success. While that may be true for some, I encourage others to focus on upskilling and exploring alternative career paths.
I also believe the government should enforce mandatory quotas for persons with disabilities in the private sector. Beyond that, there’s a real need for greater awareness—many people with disabilities simply don’t know what opportunities exist for them. Accessibility to information and resources must be improved.
Jaisica: Can you share a moment when you felt truly proud of yourself during this journey?
Yogendra: I feel proud every time I’m able to support someone—especially another person with a disability. When someone tells me, “I’m able to stand on my own because of you,” it means the world to me. Knowing that my journey and efforts have empowered someone else gives me a deep sense of purpose and accomplishment.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from young workers across India. Follow us on social media for more updates.
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