My Story
Echoes of Nikita
Welcome! I am Dr. Nikita V. Raut, and if there is one thing I believe in, it is that life is about breaking barriers and embracing possibilities, no matter what. Born 100% blind into a middle-class Punjabi family in Mumbai and in a world designed for the sighted, I have never let my visual impairment define me—it has simply been a part of the unique path I walk every day. My journey has been one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering belief that limitations are only as powerful as the weight we give them. I have never allowed my disability to limit my aspirations. Instead, I have embraced every challenge as an opportunity to break new ground, not only for myself but for countless others who face barriers, visible and invisible alike.
From an early age, I fought to be accepted into a regular school. It was not easy, but I did not just settle—I excelled. Began with challenges and concluded with oppurtunities and solutions and I not only topped the course but went on to become the first visually impaired student to complete the Bachelor of Management Studies from Mumbai University, a milestone I and all around me are proud of as it opened a reservoir of opportunity for other bright visually impaired students. This was only a beginning for new horizon, and sky was the limit for me. I earned my Masters in Management Studies (MBA) from the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS)), and today, I serve as the youngest Deputy General Manager at Bank of Baroda. Throughout my career, I have handled critical assignments in HR, leadership development, training, ESG, and ethics . I have worked to prove that the absence of sight is simply a physical limitation—true vision comes from within. My path, from joining Bank of Baroda as a campus Recruit in 2009 to ascending through the ranks to become the youngest and the first Visually impaired Deputy General Manager, has been driven by the passion for excellence, breaking barriers, and championing the inclusion of diverse talents.
My career has taught me that true leadership isn’t about what you can see, but about the vision you hold for yourself and others. With my deep-rooted values of integrity, hard work, ethical leadership, and a “Never say Die attitude” , I’ve been able to surpass expectations and redefine what it means to lead from the front in pursuit of my education and role as a corporate leader.
My passion for motivating others to create impact in their lives has led me to the stage, where I have touched several lives through my motivational workshops across the globe. Each talk is an opportunity for me to share my story and help others see their own potential, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Growing Up
I was born into a middle-class Punjabi family brought in the world in anticipation of being a baby boy after 2 daughters that my parents already had . Being born 100% blind had its own hopes of challenges, but my parents – who I consider as the representatives of God never treated me differently.
My early childhood was filled with curiosity. I wanted to do everything that my sighted peers did, if not more. I fought for my right to be educated in a regular school, a decision that set the foundation for my lifelong commitment to breaking barriers and proving that disability does not define capability. Every obstacle I faced became an opportunity-to learn, to grow, and to push boundaries. Each day I find new solutions and new hack for to fix the problem the life throws at me owing to absence of my sight.
Vasant & I
Love finds its way in the most unexpected places. My journey with Vasant- my life partner and soulmate is a testament to the fact that true relationships are built on understanding, respect, and shared dreams.
Vasant didn’t see my blindness as a limitation. He saw me just as a person, the leader, the dreamer, and most importantly a complete life partner. Marrying me, despite the societal norms and expectations, was a bold choice. But for him, it was never about breaking stereotypes-it was about choosing love. Together, we build life on the foundation of mutual support, equality, and a vision for an inclusive world. His unwavering belief in me has been my greatest strength, and through every step of my journey, he has stood beside me-not as my guide, but as my partner.
The Guiding Lights Of My Life
While I may be the one sharing my story, it is woven with the kindness, support, and sacrifices of many incredible people.
From my parents, who never let my blindness define me, to my teachers, who ensured I was treated equally in school, to my mentors and friends, who believed in my dreams, and my support staff, who make my daily logistics seamless even when the society questions them-these are the unsung heroes of my life. Each of them plays a role in shaping the person I am today. Their encouragement, patience, and silent contributions built the foundation of my achievements. I stand on their shoulders, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Purpose & Dreams
My life’s purpose is simple but my driving force: to inspire, to empower, and to create opportunities for inclusion.
Being visually impaired could have been my excuse to settle, but instead, it became my reason to rise. I dream of a world where disability is not a limitation but just another aspect of diversity. Every award, every achievement, and every milestone I have reached is not just for me-it is for every child who is told “you can’t” and for every individual who doubts their worth. My dream is to see workplaces that celebrate abilities, not disabilities, and a society that embraces inclusion, not just accommodates it. My purpose is to be a voice for those who need one, to lead by example, and to leave behind a legacy of courage and change.
Passion for Singing
Music has always been my window to the world. As a child, my parents discovered my love for music, and they encouraged me to nurture it.
Singing is not just a hobby for me-it is an expression, a language, and a source of healing. With an MA in Indian Classical Music, I have had the privilege of sharing my voice through All India Radio and live performances. From bhajans and ghazals to soulful melodies, every note carries a piece of my journey. Stepping into the world of playback singing with my Punjabi movie debut is a milestone I cherish. And through it all, I owe my gratitude to my mentor, the legendary Ghazal Maestro Shri Jaswinder Singh, who helped me refine my art and believe in my potential. For me, music is not about being seen-it’s about being felt.
Awards & Recognition
Awards are special, but what truly matters is the impact they represent. Receiving the National Award for the Best Employee from the Honorable President of India was a proud moment,but more than that, it was a recognition of what is possible when ability meets opportunity.
From being honored as a “40 Under 40 HR” Leader to winning the Louie Braille International Award and Neelam Kanga Lifetime Achievement Award by NAB India , every accolade has reinforced my belief in resilience, excellence, and the power of inclusion. But my greatest reward? Seeing a visually impaired student chase their dream because they saw me do it. Watching an organization hire its first disabled employee because my story changed their perspective. That is the recognition that truly matters.
My support system
Music has always been my window to the world. As a child, my parents discovered my love for music, and they encouraged me to nurture it.
Singing is not just a hobby for me-it is an expression, a language, and a source of healing. With an MA in Indian Classical Music, I have had the privilege of sharing my voice through All India Radio and live performances. From bhajans and ghazals to soulful melodies, every note carries a piece of my journey. Stepping into the world of playback singing with my Punjabi movie debut is a milestone I cherish. And through it all, I owe my gratitude to my mentor, the legendary Ghazal Maestro Shri Jaswinder Singh, who helped me refine my art and believe in my potential. For me, music is not about being seen-it’s about being felt.
My Qualifications
Focusing on the inclusion of persons with visual impairment using a socio-technical approach.
Completed at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies.
Solidifying my expertise in regulatory frameworks.
From ISTD, enhancing my skills in capacity building.
Harnessing the power of language and behavior.
Pursuing my passion for music and the arts.
Proudly the first visually impaired student to graduate from Mumbai University, where I not only completed the course but topped my institute, Mulund College of Commerce, opening pathways for other visually impaired students.
Awards & Recognition
- 40 Under 40 winner of the HR Award 2018-19 constituted by Jombay for excellency in the HR profession- competed with over 1600 HR professionals from different industries in the country.
- ‘Achiever of Excellence Award’ by Bombay Management Association for demonstrating excellence in all my endeavours and-in recognition of my extraordinary accomplishments in the field of Academics & Corporate World more particularly in field of Human Resources.
- National Felicitation has been accorded for “Outstanding Contribution in the Areas of Excellence in Management Studies and Singing” by International Association of Educators For World Peace (IAEWP) USA, Social Organization for Health Human Activities & Management (SOHAM) & Commonwealth Association affiliated to United Nations.
- Shakti Award by the Rotary International.
- National Association for the Blind (NAB) India’s Neelam Kanga lifetime achievement Award.
- Loui Braille International award.
- In my professional journey at Bank of Baroda also, I have received numerus laurels and my efforts have been recognized resulting in me ascending through the ranks to become the youngest and the first Visually impaired Deputy General Manager in the Bank.
- I am also a proud member of Rotary club.
Executive Director
Indian Overseas Bank
(Formerly also ED, Bank of Baroda)
Wealth Creator
Helping Hands Financial Services
AVP-Human Resources
BOBCARD
Founder & Managing Director, Zing HR.
Head of Learning & Development, Visionary Enterprises
Senior Manager, Global Finance Corp
Nephew
Assistant Professor, NES Ratnam College
Former Head ( HRM) and Chief Learning Officer Bank of Baroda
A Guide to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
In this book I share experiences, lessons, and reflections that have shaped my path. This book is about the power of resilience, the strength in diversity, and the belief that every challenge can lead to growth.
May this book encourage you to believe in yourself, embrace your journey, and find strength in the challenges life brings.
Let’s Connect and Inspire Together!
Motivational talk, leadership insights, or a discussion on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)