Welcome to the Purple Eyeway Conversations podcast, recorded live at the International Purple Festival in January 2024. In this episode, George Abraham speaks with Bikramjyoti Das, a multifaceted individual from Guwahati, who is not only a banking professional but also an avid mountaineer and marathon runner. He graduated with a B.Tech in Mining from the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, in 2000. Venturing out from Guwahati, he embarked on a career in mining that spanned regions such as Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur, Nagpur, Odisha, and Karnataka where he honed his expertise in mining and explosives. Tragically, in May 2011, a devastating mishap occurred at the project site, resulting in a life-altering event. An explosive blast claimed the lives of four individuals, including colleagues, and left Bikramjyoti with severe injuries. Rushed to Bangalore for medical treatment, Bikramjyoti underwent extensive plastic surgery as the impact damaged his face, optic nerves, and retina, leading to the loss of his eyesight. Bikramjyoti found unwavering support and strength in his wife, who became his pillar of resilience. After his recovery, he resolved to overcome his challenges. He visited  a blind school, where he discovered JAWS, a screen reading software, through a fellow visually impaired individual. With new found technology aiding him, Bikramjyoti, along with his wife, began exploring employment opportunities. Despite being 33, he applied for various positions, successfully clearing exams for roles like PO and clerk. He joined SBI as a clerk in December 2012, he continued to achieve milestones, securing a management position through the SBI PO exam in the next year. In a turn of events in 2021, Bikramjyoti's  friend's trip to the Annapurna base camp sparked a new adventure in his life. Inspired by blind Israeli trekkers his friend encountered during his journey, he asked Bikramjyoti to join him on the trek to the Mount Everest base camp. Initially uncertain, Bikramjyoti, inspired by his friend's encouragement, said yes. To prepare for the Everest  base camp, he diligently trained by climbing stairs, carrying increasing weights on his back, and trekking hills around Guwahati.With the support of a guide, Bikramjyoti embarked on a monumental journey to the base camp of Everest on October 16,2022. Overcoming challenges like the perilous landing at Ramechhap, minus-degree temperature, he reached the base camp on October 26, 2022. Upon his return, Bikramjyoti became a source of inspiration, attracting attention from media for interviews and receiving heartfelt appreciation from all quarters. He also shared his experiences as a marathon runner and celebrated the joy of being a father to two beautiful children. Bikramjyoti Das's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, showcasing that resilience, adaptability, and determination can illuminate even the most challenging journeys. To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/ve_W-7fQ_K3qM8shx_qEr82EwOI?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/⁠⁠⁠