For years, the District Panchayat Library in Mehsana became more than just a place to study for acid attack survivor Kajal Prajapati. It became a space where she spent long hours preparing to rebuild a future she had once feared she might never have after a traumatic attack changed her life forever.
That preparation has now paid off. The 28-year-old from Ramosana village has cleared recruitment examinations for both Talati-cum-Mantri and Deputy Mamlatdar this year. She has opted for the Deputy Mamlatdar post.
For Kajal, the achievement represents a new phase after years of physical, emotional and financial challenges.
Five years of preparation
Kajal studied for around eight to 10 hours a day, using the resources available at the district panchayat library because private coaching and library facilities were beyond what her family could afford.
Her friend Rinku became her study companion during this period. The two spent nearly five years preparing together at the library. Rinku, who aspires to join the police department, remains one of the people Kajal credits as part of her journey.
Her family was another important source of encouragement. Her elder brother, who works at a vehicle fitness centre, supported her throughout her preparation.
A career dream that changed direction
Government service was not always Kajal’s original career plan.
Before her eyesight was severely affected, she wanted to become a police sub-inspector. But after losing vision in one eye and being left with only partial vision in the other, she had to reconsider the kind of career she could pursue.
She eventually focused on recruitment examinations for the revenue department.
Her decision has now resulted in two opportunities. After clearing the Talati-cum-Mantri examination, she went on to clear the Deputy Mamlatdar recruitment examination as well.
Kajal has chosen the latter position, which she considers more prestigious. The post carries a monthly salary of ₹49,600.
The difficult years came much earlier
Kajal’s determination to become financially independent developed after a traumatic incident changed her life at 18.
The incident that changed Kajal’s life happened when she was in her first year of BCom. After she rejected a man’s advances, she became the victim of an acid attack. She lost all sight in one eye and was left with limited vision in the other. Her recovery involved more than 20 reconstructive procedures.
She subsequently underwent more than 20 reconstructive surgeries.
The treatment placed a considerable financial burden on her family, while the recovery also affected her confidence and ability to move around independently.
But rather than allowing the incident to determine her future, Kajal gradually began rebuilding her life.
Learning to face the world again
Returning to everyday life was itself part of Kajal’s recovery.
After her surgeries, there were periods when she found it difficult to go outside because of her impaired vision and the attention her appearance attracted.
Her friend helped her through that period. When Kajal’s eyes were covered and she struggled to see, Her friend would accompany her outside and encourage her to regain her confidence.
Kajal also made a conscious decision not to conceal her face with a dupatta or mask because of people’s reactions. She wanted to become comfortable living and working in public rather than allowing strangers’ stares to dictate her choices.
Choosing what comes next
Kajal says she has now decided against undergoing any further surgeries. After years dominated by medical treatment and recovery, she wants to concentrate on the life ahead.
Doctors who treated her also helped her family by providing concessions for her surgeries, while her family and friends supported her through the difficult years.
The government recruitment results have therefore given Kajal something beyond a job opportunity. They have given her a chance to move into a phase of life defined less by the attack and more by her own ambitions.
With document verification scheduled ahead, Kajal is now preparing to begin her career as a Deputy Mamlatdar — a goal reached after years of persistence, study and rebuilding her confidence.
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