From Dreaming Big to Achieving Success: A Blind MBA Students Journey to Columbia Business School

Last Updated on February 26, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Rajeev Annapragada, a native of Southern India, has overcome incredible odds to achieve success in his academic and professional life. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of 12, Annapragada lost 95% of his eyesight, presenting significant challenges in his education and career.

Lacking necessary support tools for visually impaired individuals in India, Annapragada had to develop his own methods to complete his education, relying on friends and family to read to him. Despite facing discrimination in the job market due to his disability, Annapragada pursued an MBA in India and ultimately secured a position at the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Undeterred by the challenges he faced, Annapragada never gave up on his dream of studying in the U.S. He applied to elite MBA programs and was accepted at Columbia Business School, marking a major milestone in his journey. His story sheds light on the obstacles individuals with disabilities encounter in the workforce and education system in India.

Now, with the support of Columbia Business School and his classmates, Annapragada is determined to forge a successful career in finance and create a positive impact in the business world. He encourages other Indian students to pursue their dreams of studying in the U.S., emphasizing that financial constraints or obstacles should not stand in the way of achieving their goals.

Annapragada’s resilience and perseverance serve as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and support, individuals can overcome any obstacle in pursuit of their dreams. His story exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of breaking barriers in the face of adversity.