Meet Ms. Rajasulochana, a former Bank of India officer turned volunteer with Help the Blind Foundation (HTBF) — a woman whose warmth, humility, and unassuming commitment have left an indelible mark on countless visually impaired students across Delhi. She insists she’s “just a simple volunteer.” But as our conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that simplicity, in her case, carries extraordinary depth.
For most of her banking career, Ms. Rajasulochana’s world had little to do with disability or accessibility. “I had a colleague who was visually impaired,” she recalls. “She was intelligent, capable, but no one gave her any work. When I asked her why, she said, ‘No one thinks I can do it.’ That hit me hard. I thought — the bank pays her a salary; how can she sit idle?”
That act of giving her colleague responsibility, of recognizing her ability instead of her limitation, became a turning point. “She proved everyone wrong,” Ms. Rajasulochana smiles. “She handled customers, calls, everything — always with a smile. That’s when I realized ability has nothing to do with eyesight.”
After retiring in 2021, Ms. Rajasulochana’s mentor and former colleague, Mr. D.K. Sharma — now a trustee with HTBF — nudged her toward volunteering. “He said, ‘You care about education, right? Come, just visit a few colleges.’” That was all it took.
What began as a six-month commitment in early 2022 became a passion project spanning years. From facilitating scholarship applications to mentoring students in employability programs across Delhi University colleges — including Miranda House, Indraprastha College, and Venkateshwara College — Ms. Rajasulochana has become a familiar and beloved presence among students.
“I started at my own alma mater, Venkateshwara College,” she recalls fondly. “Meeting those students, seeing their energy and joy — I felt like they were teaching me more than I was teaching them. They reminded me to smile, always.”
Her years of volunteering have reshaped not just her understanding of disability but her entire outlook on life. “Earlier, I didn’t even know what accessibility meant,” she admits. “Now I’ve learned how to offer help respectfully, how to let them decide if they need it. I’ve learned about mobility training, how to use a white cane. It’s like wearing glasses — it’s for your safety and others’ awareness.”
She laughs as she remembers trying a blindfolded exercise once. “I couldn’t last even a minute. That day I realized the strength they have — their memory, their confidence. It’s humbling.”
Her admiration for the students is palpable. “Every time I meet them, I feel proud. They talk about doing their post-graduation, PhDs, civil services… their dreams are bigger than most people I know.”
She recalls Rajat, a student from P.G.D.A.V. College, who once insisted on hosting a small treat for everyone with his own pocket money. “He said, ‘Madam, you always give us; this time I’ll give you.’ He’s visually impaired, but his heart — oh, it’s enormous.”
Then there’s Shama Parveen from Miranda House, who was initially shy and withdrawn. “I thought she was quiet because she lacked confidence. But when I spoke to her, I realized she was observant, thoughtful, full of empathy. After that, she blossomed — singing at events, engaging with others. She changed completely.”
And Simu, from Satyawati College, who stunned Rajasulochana with her eloquence. “Her English is better than mine!” she laughs. “She wants a government job, but she could easily be a teacher. She’s so confident.”
Ms. Rajasulochana’s story is one of rediscovery — of finding new purpose after retirement, of learning from those she set out to help, and of realizing that sometimes, the most profound change begins with the simplest act: showing up.
“People think volunteering is about giving,” she reflects softly. “But for me, it’s about receiving — wisdom, strength, and joy. I’m the one who’s truly blessed.”
Volunteer Chronicles by Help the Blind Foundation is a series that celebrates the people behind our mission — those who give their time, heart, and energy to empower visually impaired students across India. If you would like to support our mission or join us as a volunteer, write to us at info@helptheblind.in