There has been a change in the corporate landscape in India. Today’s leaders are not limited to those from wealthy families. They come from various economic backgrounds and are passionate about changing companies and bringing in a new era of superior customer service and corporate excellence. They re-engineer excellence and shatter glass ceilings. They’re achievers, no doubt, but they’re also giants who can overcome obstacles. Millions of people are transformed by their transformation of individuality into unparalleled strengths.
One such trailblazing pioneer is Dr Nikita Raut, a National Award winner from the honorable President of India, the youngest and the first blind Deputy General Manager of a leading Public sector bank, a bestselling author, one of the most successful female leaders in India, and a seasoned singer. Despite being visually challenged, she possesses a vision so triumphant that it illuminates the way for thousands of people on this globe. Her life is filled with innovative landmarks as well as inspirational moments.
The Making of a Visionary
Dr. Nikita’s extraordinary journey began in Mumbai on 6 February 1985 when she was born as the third girl child in a middle-class Punjabi family which was desperately hoping for a son. When doctors confirmed few months later that she was born completely blind, her family felt as if their world collapse. Yet this moment of apparent devastation would become the foundation of something magnificent! No one could imagine it then.
“My parents made a decision that changed everything,” Dr. Nikita reflects. “They refused to let my disability define my destiny.” This wasn’t just parental love; it was the birth of a revolution that would impact thousands of lives.
Her mother Mrs Anjali Vaid became her first teacher in independence and discipline, instilling the critical importance of education. Her father Late Shri Narinder Singh Vaid took an equally powerful approach- refusing to shield her from life’s realities while preparing her to conquer them. These early foundations would prove unshakeable as Dr. Nikita faced a world unprepared for her brilliance.
Academic Trailblazing
The school presented its first battlefield. After being rejected by almost all the schools in the vicinity, with great difficulty the little and sharp Nikita could get admission in one of the schools named Indian Education Society, where she was the only visually impaired student. Teachers questioned how a visually impaired student could cope, while classmates wondered if she belonged with them. “Those doubts hurt, but they became my fuel,” Dr. Nikita recalls with characteristic determination.
The fuel ignited spectacular results. She became the first visually impaired student to complete a Bachelor of Management Studies at Mumbai University, not just completing it, but emerging as the institute topper. This groundbreaking achievement sent shockwaves through academic circles, proving that limitations exist only in minds, not in potential.
She continued shattering barriers with her MBA/MMS from the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, followed by numerous qualifications and certifications including the Masters in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP). And recently her doctorate in the field of Diversity and Inclusion. Each milestone wasn’t merely academic; it was a declaration that excellence recognizes no boundaries.
Banking’s Inspirational Leader
Dr. Nikita’s corporate ascent at Bank of Baroda reads like a masterclass in defying expectations. Joined as Manager Human Resources in 2009, Nikita Worked and proved her mettle in various HR Assignment and taking people centric initiatives in the Bank. She became the youngest Senior Manager in the bank’s illustrious history followed by her promotion as the youngest Chief Manager and Asst. General Manager. She then achieved an even more remarkable feat- becoming the first visually impaired and youngest Deputy General Manager (DGM) in the Bank. After having contributed in the HR and Training roles, presently Dr. Nikita is looking after the Sustainability ESG and Ethics functions in the Bank.
“Bank of Baroda recognized my talent and proved itself as a truly inclusive organization,” Dr. Nikita emphasizes. “The Bank’s culture is truly inclusive where people like me have opportunities to rise the corporate ladder, showing that diversity isn’t just a matter of compliance, it’s a powerful business strategy and an indicator of a great culture.”
Her success isn’t coincidental. Dr. Nikita operates with stunning independence, leveraging cutting-edge technology and screen readers to navigate complex banking operations. Her technical proficiency and strategic thinking have revolutionized the Bank Managements approach to inclusive leadership.
Technology Mastery and Independence
What sets Dr. Nikita apart is her remarkable technological fluency. She operates computers and mobile devices with extraordinary skill, using screen readers and adaptive technology to work completely independently. This technological mastery has become her competitive advantage, proving that different abilities bring unique strengths to problem-solving
“I’ve always believed in capitalizing on my strengths while letting my weaknesses depreciate,” she explains. Her approach to technology isn’t just about adaptation; it’s about innovation and showing corporate India how accessibility drives excellence.
The Philosophy of “leading a holistic Life”
Dr. Nikita’s philosophy extends far beyond professional achievement. She embodies a 360-degree approach to leading a holistic life, embracing adventure, leisure, and exploration with infectious enthusiasm. She travels extensively, experiencing new places through her heightened senses of sound, touch, and smell.
“Life is a beautiful gift and it is meant to be lived fully,” she declares. This holistic approach has made her not just a corporate leader but a living inspiration, showing that limitations are simply invitations to discover alternative pathways to joy and fulfilment.
Musical Journey and Artistic Excellence
Music has been Dr. Nikita’s constant companion and confidence builder. She sang at All India Radio for ten years, developing the stage presence and communication skills that now captivate audiences worldwide. Recently, she achieved another milestone by debuting with a song for a Punjabi movie, adding film industry success to her growing list of achievements.
Through her YouTube channel @EchoesOfNikita, she shares her musical talents and inspirational messages with a global audience, creating an online community of empowerment and positivity. In the field of Music, she is mentored by the Gazal maestro Sree Jaswinder Singh.
Global Inspiration
Dr. Nikita has emerged as one of India’s most sought-after motivational speakers, having inspired over 12,000 people through extensive speaking engagements across national and international platforms. Her sessions aren’t just talks; they’re transformational experiences that leave audiences fundamentally changed.
“I realized that success is when your words and belief change the course of someone’s life,” she shares, recounting the phone call from a young man who became an IAS officer after her encouragement prevented him from dropping out of school due to his disability.
Her influence extends through her bestselling book “Mosaic: Diverse Pieces, One Picture” (available at https://amzn.in/d/bVAGS2x), which has sparked crucial conversations about diversity and inclusion across corporate India and beyond.
National Recognition and Prestigious Honors
Dr. Nikita’s extraordinary contributions have earned the highest national recognition. She received the National Award from the Honorable President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, in the Best Employee category. It’s a testament to her exceptional professional excellence.
She has been named a 40 Under 40 HR Award Winner and received the prestigious ‘Achiever of Excellence Award’ from the Bombay Management Association. International organizations affiliated with the UN have felicitated her for her contributions to management studies and music. She also received the ‘Excellency Achievers Ratna’ for her dedication to education.
Redefining Success and Leadership
For Dr. Nikita, leadership transcends titles and positions. “Leadership is about showing people that even in darkness, one can create light, not only for oneself but for others,” she explains with profound conviction.
Her approach challenges every conventional leadership model. She leads through authenticity, vulnerability, and unwavering commitment to lifting others. A CEO called Dr. Nikita early one morning to share that meeting her inspired him to hire his first visually impaired employees, “employees with inner vision”. That day, she realized that her impact was creating ripples far beyond her immediate sphere.
Core Principles and Influence on Women’s Advancement
Three unshakeable principles guide Dr. Nikita’s every decision and have become the foundation for her influence on women’s empowerment: Integrity ensures her words and actions always align, showing women the power of authentic leadership. Inclusivity drives her commitment to creating space for all voices, especially women whose perspectives are often marginalized. Perseverance reminds her, and the thousands of women she mentors, that persistence opens doors where others see only walls.
As one of India’s most influential women, she has redefined what it means to be a role model. “Being a role model for women means being authentic, accessible, and relatable- not perfect, but persistent,” she reflects. This approach has inspired a generation of women leaders who now prioritize substance over style and impact over image.
Her influence is measurable: companies report increased applications from women for leadership roles after her speaking engagements. Business schools invite her regularly to inspire female MBA students. Women’s professional networks across India consider her guidance essential for career advancement strategies.
Social Impact and Community Service: Scaling Influence
Dr. Nikita’s influence extends beyond corporate walls through her strategic approach to community transformation. As Chairperson for Special Projects with Rotary International, she doesn’t just support persons with disabilities and underprivileged communities; she creates sustainable systems for empowerment.
Revolutionary Vision for the Future
Dr. Nikita is building a legacy rooted in empowerment and inclusion. Through her banking leadership, DEI research, global speaking engagements, and “Echoes of Nikita” initiative, she’s creating unprecedented opportunities for women and persons with disabilities to rise into leadership positions.
“I want society to see disability not as incapacity but as a different capacity,” she declares with characteristic clarity. Her vision extends to creating ecosystems where visually impaired individuals thrive as professionals, leaders, and changemakers.
She sees herself as a bridge between ability and disability, exclusion and belonging, challenges and triumphs.Her work is transforming not just individual lives but entire organizational cultures across India and globally.
The Lasting Impact
“If years later, people say, ‘Because of her, I believed I could,’ that will be the legacy I most cherish,” Dr. Nikita shares with deep emotion.
This isn’t just hope; it’s happening daily. Through her revolutionary approach to leadership, her technological expertise, her artistic talents, her motivational platform, and her unwavering commitment to inclusion, Dr. Nikita is proving that true vision has nothing to do with sight and everything to do with purpose. Her journey continues to inspire millions, showing that with determination, the right support, and an unshakeable belief in one’s potential, any barrier can become a bridge to extraordinary achievement.
Dr. Nikita stands as a living testimony that the most powerful leaders aren’t born. They’re forged through adversity, refined through challenges, and revealed through their commitment to lifting others as they climb.
To discover more about Dr. Nikita’s inspiring journey, access her transformational content, and join her global community of empowerment, visit www.echoesofnikita.com. Subscribe to her YouTube channel @EchoesOfNikita for regular doses of motivation, music, and insights into living an extraordinary life. Connect with her across all social media platforms to become part of a movement that’s redefining what’s possible when vision meets determination.