Never give up! A motto that blind assistant collector Pranjal Patil lives by

What does it take to make your dreams come true? Dreaming of course is the first step, followed by a lot of hard work, dedication and the determination to cross all barriers.

Qualities Pranjal Patil from Ulhasnagar in Maharashtra has shown in plenty. 30-year-old Pranjal, who is visually impaired, has scored a high rank of 124 in the Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) exams.

Pranjal has taken charge at her first assignment as assistant collector in Ernakulam this week.

Pranjal was born with weak vision. By the time she was six years, she was totally blind.

A career in the Indian Civil Service had always held interest for Pranjall. Despite the many challenges that she faced due to her disability, she was determined not to give up.

She went on to do her graduation in political science and then a post graduate degree in international relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. She also did a doctorate.

In her first attempt at the UPSC exams in 2016, she secured a rank of 773. She was offered a job in the Indian Railway Accounts Service. However, this was later withdrawn by the Railways on the grounds of her disability.

The experience forced Pranjal to work harder and try again.

Pranjal says she is excited about her new job and is eager to learn the different aspects involved.

Standing by her are her parents and husband Komal Patil, who is a businessman.