“I Did Everything Right. Yet, I Am Unplaced”: Blind IIM Graduate Challenges Hiring Bias
"I Did Everything Right. Yet, I Am Unplaced": Blind IIM Graduate Challenges Hiring Bias
Tiruchirappalli: Amey Tiwari, a visually impaired student graduating from the Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli (IIM Trichy), has brought attention to the challenges faced by disabled professionals in the job market. Despite his strong academic record and an IIM degree, Tiwari has been unable to secure a job, a situation he attributes to discrimination against his blindness.
Sharing his frustration in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday, Tiwari wrote, “I am exhausted. I did everything right. Yet, here I am—unplaced.” He expressed that what should have been a moment of achievement had instead become a distressing experience.
“It’s Because I Am Blind”
Tiwari directly linked his struggle to the reluctance of major corporations to hire visually impaired individuals. He emphasized that his unemployment was not due to a lack of knowledge, skills, or motivation but solely because of his blindness.
A law graduate from the University of Delhi, Tiwari also criticized the corporate world’s hypocrisy regarding inclusivity. He pointed out that while many companies advocate for diversity and inclusion, their actions do not align with their words when it comes to hiring differently-abled professionals.
“Let’s be real—this world does not see professionals like me as equals. It celebrates us as ‘inspirations’ when convenient but hesitates when it’s time to hire,” he wrote.
A Call for Action, Not Sympathy
In his post, Tiwari tagged several companies that actively recruit from IIMs, urging them to take action. He highlighted the financial pressures he faces, including student loans, but made it clear that he was not seeking sympathy or handouts.
“I need someone—anyone—to prove that inclusion is more than just corporate lip service,” he stated.
Tiwari’s powerful words resonated with many, garnering over 2,000 reactions and numerous comments. His post not only shed light on his own struggles but also echoed the experiences of countless skilled professionals with disabilities who continue to fight for equal opportunities in the job market.
