Eyeway Conversations

In this Eyeway Conversations episode, George Abraham engages in a captivating discussion with Aditi Shah, a cybersecurity trailblazer. Aditi's journey, from steering machine learning automations to pioneering AI for cybersecurity within just a few years of her career, is truly remarkable.

Born in Mumbai, Aditi's passion for computers and dreams of becoming a software engineer were disrupted at age 11 when she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, leading to complete vision loss by 15. Undeterred, she pursued her goals with unwavering determination. Throughout her journey, her parents stood as the unyielding pillars of support.

Aditi completed her graduation in Information Technology from the University of Mumbai. Despite her outstanding academic performance, Aditi encountered multiple interview rejections as companies hesitated to consider her for engineering roles. She innovated and found a way forward with freelancing, meanwhile a pivotal moment came when she joined Iraaj, a company specializing in enterprise security solutions. Leading an engineering project at Iraaj, Aditi delved into the world of cybersecurity, discovering her passion for the field.

Aditi's passion for cybersecurity led her to the USA for a master's program at the Georgia School of Technologies in 2018. Her journey there, marked by newfound independence and challenges, culminated in a summer internship at Microsoft, which evolved into a full-time position at the company's Redmond headquarters. At Microsoft, Aditi is a vital member of the Microsoft Security team, where she leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to automate cyber security responses. Her work is dedicated to empowering front line defenders who deal with cyber security threats, ultimately making security more efficient and effective.

Aditi is a multifaceted individual with a deep love for reading, online games, and culinary arts. Her passion extends beyond her technical accomplishments, as she fervently advocates for inclusivity and accessibility, assuming key roles within Microsoft. She co-chairs the disability Employee Resource Group for Microsoft Security and actively contributes to the Microsoft Security Diversity & Inclusion Council.

Join us to hear Aditi's story, which is not only a personal triumph but also a powerful source of inspiration for many in the field.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/UptN2TZcKMUadOh5a86Uf5-guPI?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in a discussion with Harish Kotian, a resident of Mumbai. His happy childhood took a drastic turn when he lost his sight due to a Diwali accident at the age of 13.

Following his 12th grade, he joined the RBI as a telephone operator. With aspirations for more, he explored two options: computers and the UPSC. Despite facing challenging circumstances, he acquired computer skills. Starting in a clerical position, he took competitive exams within the bank, qualified as an officer, and worked in the Data Processing Department of the RBI until his retirement. Harish's groundbreaking tenure at the Reserve Bank opened doors for other visually impaired individuals, fostering inclusion beyond telephone operator roles.

Harish is a dedicated Ham radio enthusiast and a licensed HAM radio user. He shared his experiences, including a mountaineering expedition to the Himalayas in 1994, during which he used ham radio.

As one of the pioneers of the Email discussion group "Access India," a popular platform for visually impaired computer and technology users, Harish served as the dedicated moderator for an extended period. He takes pride in his three successful daughters and enjoys a contented married life.

Join us to hear Harish Kotian's inspiring journey, which stands as a testament of resilience and determination, as he broke barriers and set an example for the inclusion of visually impaired individuals in the professional world.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/vDN_VU2lmGDWOB_vPwgCDpn1oTY?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠

In this Eyeway Conversations episode, George Abraham engages with Kishan Khedia, a Mumbai resident whose eyesight deteriorated gradually, eventually rendering him legally blind with vision under 3/60. His parents discovered this condition when he was just 2 years old. Hailing from Puruliya, a town in West Bengal with limited awareness about blindness, Kishan attended a standard school with no accommodations for visually impaired students. Support from his sister and friends played a pivotal role in his education.

At the age of 18, with unwavering support from his parents, Kishan relocated to Kolkata, where he learned about the Shridharayam Institute in Kerala. It was here that he encountered visually impaired individuals and accessibility features for the first time. During his undergraduate years at Goenka College, Kishan faced formidable challenges due to a lack of accommodations. However, his journey took a positive turn when he secured admission to IIM Kolkata, an institution renowned for its robust awareness and unwavering support for students with disabilities.

In the episode, Kishan also shared his professional experiences, having worked for esteemed companies in the private sector, including Cisco, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, and Visa. He also discussed his passion for reading and movies. Kishan's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering support of his family, underscoring his inspiring journey.

Join us to hear Kishan's story, a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering support of his family.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/R7bFRzI8UdxiGSj8ycZOH4T4eHw?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham speaks with Sandeep Singh, a resident of Gurgaon, whose life story is nothing short of inspiring. Sandeep wears many hats as a dedicated social worker, a passionate writer, and an ardent sports lover.

Despite being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15 and losing his vision after his architecture studies at IIT Roorkee, Sandeep has maintained a remarkably positive outlook on life.

Sandeep is an avid reader and an author known for his books "Ananya" and "Aarushi - Surye Ki Pehli Kiran”. In addition to his literary pursuits, Sandeep is actively involved in content writing, with a focus on advocating for accessible built environments and architecture.

His passion for social work spans eight years, during which he has worked across various sectors. Currently, he is dedicated to empowering rural women in the challenging hilly terrains of North India.

Join us to hear Sandeep Singh's inspiring journey, symbolizing resilience and a dedication to a more inclusive world.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham speaks with Nibin Mathew. Hailing from the serene landscapes of Wayanad, Kerala, Nibin Mathew embodies the spirit of resilience and accomplishment. Losing his eyesight during his 12th grade could have been a roadblock, but for Nibin, it became a stepping stone to greatness. He's not only a National Blind Tennis Champion but also proudly secured a bronze medal in International Blind Tennis at the IBSA World Games in 2023.

Nibin's talents extend far beyond the sports arena. He's a Grade 3 certified Western violinist and has been recognized with the prestigious G3ICT Dare Scholarship for his outstanding contributions to accessible STEM education and digital literacy.

In his professional life, Nibin serves as a beacon of change at Bosch Global Software Technologies (BGSW). As a User Experience Professional and a Certified Digital Accessibility Specialist (CPACC), he champions the cause of inclusive technology. His unwavering commitment to making digital experiences accessible to all is nothing short of commendable.

Join us for this uplifting and enlightening conversation with Nibin Mathew, a true inspiration in the worlds of accessibility, sports, and technology.

If you're interested in inclusive tennis, you can reach out to [email protected] or visit the Inclusive Tennis India YouTube channel. There, you can watch captivating international tennis matches featuring blind athletes, showcasing their incredible skills and determination.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/eLIX2kCBKFSMnKZuOz67JRNaz2s?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham catches up with Harshit Lohia, who works at the Reserve Bank of India. Harshit's life took a dramatic turn after completing his 12th standard when he fell ill and took medication that triggered Stevens-Johnson syndrome, resulting in the loss of his eyesight. He spent the next year and a half at home, coping with this life-altering condition.

Harshit's determination and resilience shone through as he embarked on his educational journey once more. Opting for distance education, he pursued a BA while simultaneously preparing for banking exams. However, his path was not without its challenges, as accessibility during his graduation was limited.

His decision to take up banking was influenced by computer instructors who secured jobs in the banking sector at NAB Lucknow, making him realize that opportunities were indeed available to individuals with visual impairments. Harshit emphasizes the significance of technical proficiency for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Throughout his journey, Harshit received unwavering support from his family, especially his sister. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is passionate about music, particularly playing the keyboard, and enjoys listening to jokes.

Tune in to Eyeway Conversations to explore Harshit Lohia's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into his life, career, and interests.

In this captivating episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in an inspiring dialogue with Masoom Reza, a remarkable individual hailing from Bihar's West Champaran. His early life was marked by adversity when, in the third grade, he was diagnosed with Stevens- Johnson syndrome, a condition causing skin deterioration due to a medicine reaction. Tragically, by the age of 8, he had lost his sight entirely. Born into a farming family, young Masoom's world was forever changed.

Facing the challenge of blindness at such a tender age was undeniably disheartening, with few role models to look up to. However, Masoom's indomitable spirit would eventually lead him to become a budding lawyer, an academic teaching law at Jamia Millia Islamia, and a poet.

His educational journey began at a special school for blind students. Sadly, opportunities to study subjects like science and math were limited for visually impaired students. The turning point came in 2017, as the demand for accessibility and the rights of persons with disabilities gained momentum following the 2016 Disabilities Act.

Masoom seized the power of law as a catalyst for change. He shared his admissions struggles as a blind student, navigating the extensive reading demands of law studies. Despite these challenges, he achieved an impressive educational background, including a bachelor's degree from Jamia Millia Islamia, an LLM from NLSIU, and a PG Diploma from NALSAR.

His journey continued into the field of intellectual property rights law, where he interned with a prominent intellectual property law firm. However, driven by a desire to explore the academic domain, he transitioned into a role as a guest lecturer at Jamia.

Masoom Reza is also a Javed Abidi Fellow, a prestigious fellowship offered by the National Centre for Promotion of Disabled Persons (NCPEDP).

Balancing his teaching responsibilities with his fellowship, Masoom also finds solace in poetry, which he graciously shared during the conclusion of this enlightening conversation. His life journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the profound impact one individual can make in advocating for accessibility and inclusion.

Tune in to Eyeway Conversations to hear Masoom Reza's inspiring story and gain valuable insights into his world of law, academia, and advocacy.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/GaRbxeEcBNGHHAhXojwW7k-rOyI?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation. To support our work kindly visit our website.

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Shireen Irani, a multi-talented individual with a Ph.D. degree in the interdisciplinary field of language and music. She began her career as a pianist at renowned Mumbai hotels, including ITC, Taj, Marriot, and Trident Oberoi. Simultaneously, she was part of local bands and made significant contributions as a choir trainer and English teacher at the Happy Home School for the blind.Dr. Irani's academic journey extended to teaching linguistics at the University of Mumbai and the Ali Yawar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities.

During the conversation, Dr. Irani dispels common misconceptions about linguistics, emphasizing that being a linguist isn't about speaking multiple languages but about the profound study of linguistics itself. She also sheds light on the diverse professional opportunities within this field.

Despite facing challenges as a blind student, she embraces these experiences with gratitude as they shaped her unique path. Her dedication lies in making English accessible, and she actively conducts English classes to serve visually impaired and blind individuals.

Lastly, Dr. Irani shared that, while balancing her work as a copy editor at Cactus Communications, she cherishes the precious moments spent with her beloved dog. This episode offers a glimpse into the extraordinary life and work of Dr. Shireen Irani, showcasing the remarkable impact one individual can make across multiple domains.

Tune in to Eyeway Conversations to delve into Dr. Shireen Irani's extraordinary journey and gain valuable insights into the world of language, music, and accessibility.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/geLVYwzkzk3iK5rXJwfI0yLlizU?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: https://scorefoundation.org.in/

Join George Abraham for a captivating conversation with Kunal Mehta, a master's student at the University of Washington, where he's pursuing Human Centered Design and Engineering. Kunal's journey showcases the transformative power of embracing new directions.

Currently a research intern at the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology, Kunal focuses on equitable transportation solutions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). His path wasn't always in this direction. After an MBA from IIM-Bangalore, he explored customer initiatives at an Indian conglomerate and then transitioned to the role of Inclusion and Accessibility Lead at a private art museum.

Kunal's pursuit of broader horizons led him to the University of Washington. Here, he's combining his passions, studying UX research and accessibility. His dedication to enhancing the lives of PWDs is evident in his work and his involvement in recreational opportunities for them.

Tune in to Eyeway Conversations to hear Kunal's journey, insights into career pivots, studying abroad, and his commitment to accessibility.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: ⁠⁠ https://otter.ai/u/2T2KLUKO9huZlyd_nr6FoDYmuwo?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: https://scorefoundation.org.in/

Join George Abraham as he delves into a captivating conversation with Manvendra Patwal, an exceptional individual who rose above adversity to lead the Blind Indian Cricket team in 2006. Manvendra's path was

With three World Cup appearances under his belt, Manvendra's cricketing journey is a testament to his resilience. Beyond the cricket field, he has scaled mountains and even conquered Mount Kanamu in Spiti Valley. Presently contributing as a private secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Manvendra continues to inspire.

Tune in to explore Manvendra Patwal's awe-inspiring journey and witness the transformation of challenges into triumphs.

⁠This podcast is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠ https://scorefoundation.org.in/