Human Library

Introduction: Some stories break your heart; others inspire you to believe in miracles. Sanjana Vijayakumar Sinkar’s story does both. Born with bones so fragile they could break from the smallest fall, she defied every prediction and every obstacle to achieve what most thought impossible—becoming a corporate professional, the financial pillar of her family, and a proud homeowner by the age of 26.

A Cruel Diagnosis and an Unshakable Father’s Love: Sanjana was born on September 10, 1998, into a middle-class family. At just 2.5 years old, she suffered her first fracture. What seemed like an innocent accident soon became a recurring nightmare. After months of medical consultations, she was diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta with Dorsolumbar Kyphoscoliosis—a rare condition that weakened her bones and stunted her height at 3.5 feet. Doctors gave a grim verdict, stating she had no future. But her father’s unwavering belief became the foundation of her strength. “She is my Lakshmi. I will sell everything for her. She will live, and she will thrive,” he said. His determination became Sanjana’s driving force.

Fighting for Education Against All Odds: Schools denied her admission, and society doubted her potential. Neighbors questioned why her parents were investing in her education. But her family never gave up. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and living with constant pain, Sanjana excelled in her studies. However, securing a job as a person with a disability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, seemed impossible.

The Game-Changer: Sarthak Educational Trust: In 2021, hope arrived in the form of Sarthak Educational Trust’s Mumbai Center. Sanjana enrolled in their training program, gaining essential professional skills, interview techniques, and digital literacy. With their support, she landed an interview at Bank of America. Armed with newfound confidence, she secured the job.

A Life Transformed: For the past four years, Sanjana has been working at Bank of America, earning ₹4.4 LPA and shattering societal stereotypes. She didn’t just survive—she thrived. Her biggest dream was to buy a home of her own, and at 26, she made that dream a reality. The girl once told she had no future became a homeowner, a financial pillar for her family, and a role model for many.

Why Family, Faith, and Opportunity Matter: Sanjana’s story highlights the power of unwavering family support and the importance of providing opportunities to people with disabilities. Her father’s belief, her family’s love, and Sarthak Educational Trust’s support helped her turn struggles into triumphs. She is living proof that disability does not define a person—determination does.