Shravan Jagtap, a 34-year-old from Latur, Maharashtra, was born blind. Like his elder brother, Gajanan, who is also visually impaired, Shravan faced many challenges. While Gajanan managed to complete his education and secure a government job as a telephone operator, Shravan’s path was not as clear. He had dropped out after 8th grade and spent years without employment or direction.

In 2023, everything changed with a simple radio promo. Gajanan heard an announcement about the Eyeway Helpline—a service offering guidance to people with visual impairments. Recognizing the opportunity, he shared the number with Shravan.

When Shravan called Eyeway, he was looking for job opportunities. During the call, the counselor discovered that he didn’t have a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card, a crucial document to access government schemes and benefits. The counselor guided him to apply for the UDID card and encouraged him to explore self-employment options instead of relying solely on job openings.

Among the ideas discussed, starting a flour mill business stood out. The counselor explained how Shravan could apply for financial support and subsidies through the Social Welfare Department. Shravan took the advice seriously and acted quickly. He secured a shop license and converted a part of his house into a small storefront. With a banner reading “Shravan Pitachi Girni” (Shravan’s Flour Mill), he began his business with one machine.

His commitment to quality and affordable services spread by word of mouth, and soon the business grew. In six months, he added two more flour mills, each dedicated to specific grains like jowar, wheat, and dals. Today, Shravan runs a successful shop with help from his wife, earning around ₹22,000 per month. He maintains the machines regularly and has become a trusted name in his community.

Shravan’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when the right support meets personal determination. With a single phone call to Eyeway, he turned years of uncertainty into a thriving small business—proving that disability is not a barrier to success, but a challenge that can be overcome with the right tools and guidance.

Team Eyeway