Imagine losing your sight at six months old, in a town with no school willing to admit you. This was Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar’s reality. But instead of giving up, he turned every barrier into a stepping stone.

From sitting quietly in classrooms without official admission to learning English by imitating cricket commentators on the radio, Mahantesh’s journey was fueled by curiosity and determination. His breakthrough came when a school inspector recognized his talent and enrolled him in the Ramana Maharshi Academy for the Blind, Bengaluru. Here, he thrived academically and explored sports, drama, and music.

In 1997, he co-founded the Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, which now supports over 22,000 students, trained 55,000 individuals, and placed 35,000 in jobs. Mahantesh also revived India’s blind cricket movement, helping over 30,000 players, including women, compete nationally and internationally.

Today, he’s building an inclusive global university and sports city in Bengaluru, proving that disability is never a barrier to impact. Mahantesh’s story is a testament to vision beyond sight, and hope beyond limitations.