Pratiksha Tondwalkar’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She began her career as a sweeper at a bank, tasked with maintaining cleanliness, but through relentless hard work and determination, she rose to become the Assistant General Manager (AGM) of the same bank. Hailing from Mumbai, India, Pratiksha’s life is a testament to overcoming adversity and achieving dreams despite insurmountable odds. Born into a poor family in Pune in 1964, her early years were filled with struggles. Married at just 16 to Sadasiv Kudur, a fourth-grade employee at the State Bank of India (SBI), her life took a tragic turn when she lost her husband in a road accident four years later. At 20, she was left to raise their only child alone. Under SBI’s policies, she was offered her late husband’s position as a sweeper, marking the beginning of her uphill battle.

Despite her hardships, Pratiksha never gave up on her education. With support from kind colleagues, she studied after finishing her cleaning duties, borrowing books when she couldn’t afford them. Her perseverance paid off as she passed her secondary exams and later completed higher secondary education through night school. Eventually, she secured a clerk position at the bank, easing her financial burdens. Encouraged by her second husband, Promod Tondwalkar, whom she married in 1993, she pursued further studies and earned a psychology degree. Over the years, her dedication led to promotions, culminating in her appointment as AGM in June 2020. Pratiksha’s story inspires millions, proving that education, hard work, and resilience can overcome any obstacle.