Aman Gupta, a 2013 batch IAS officer finalized recruitment rules pending for about 30 years in a civic body, made it possible for hundreds of employees to be promoted and leads work on improving the ranking of South Delhi Municipal Corporation in Swachh Survekshan 2018. He is also an IIM graduate. His story is inspiring as he achieved success even with 90% blindness.

Gupta suffers from juvenile macular degeneration, a medical condition that is incurable. Over the years, his eyesight became poor. First, he couldn’t see the cursor on the computer; then his eyes couldn’t capture a cricket ball arcing through the air; and soon after he found it difficult to read the text on the classroom blackboard. Finally, he is left with only 10 % vision, but his broad smile hides the pain of not being able to see.

The officer of the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre, works with the assistance of a stand-mounted American video magnifier that helps the visually impaired read.

The way Gupta accepts every challenge in life is exemplary. He failed to clear UPSC in 2012 for which he had prepared with audio books. He devoted more time in 2013 and got a 57th all-India rank in the general category who had completed BTech. He currently holds three important positions — director (personnel), additional director (education) and secretary to the SDMC commissioner. He is very meticulous in his work and has always received praise from his seniors for excellent work. He is the epitome of hard work and dedication in spite of adversity.