Category Manager Sajan Sachdeva refuses to let disability stop him from living life to the fullest

At Amazon, employees with disabilities find the support and empathy they need to deliver their best. This enabling culture helps them overcome the negativity they sometimes encounter in the larger society. Read this story about Sajan Sachdeva, an employee at the Amazon office in Bengaluru,

Jalandhar born Sajan Sachdeva was just nine years old when his life changed. He lost both limbs and two fingers on his right hand after he suffered an electric shock of 11,000 volts.

Growing up in a city that has limited sensitivity and awareness about people with disabilities was tough. Sajan was even tougher. He pulled himself together and consistently excelled at academics. He even participated in sports.

He got prosthetics soon after his accident as his family took him to Delhi for his new ‘special legs’.

Disability, while being a limiting factor, has also served me with a very important perspective which is that what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. There is nothing that I can’t pursue”. – Sajan Sachdeva, Category Manager, Amazon

Sajan knows he has come a long way. From a child whose survival chances were ruled out by doctors to working at Amazon is quite a journey and Sajan has every reason to be proud of himself. He couldn’t have done it without his family who stood by him throughout. They never let him feel inferior and this helped Sajan overcome the teasing and bullying he faced in school.

Undefeated by disability

Having faced bullying, Sajan has strong views about the stigma and stereotypes towards disability and people with disabilities. He says it is unfair to regard disabled people as different. To create larger awareness and motivate other disabled people Sajan likes to show off his prosthetics by wearing shorts in public. What does that tell you about his attitude!

Today Sajan’s life is filled with adventure and activities. He runs marathons, drives, swims, plays various sports, dances, and spends long hours at work. He is determined to make people sensitive to the needs of those living with disabilities.

“I was rejected by recruiting firms, gyms, swimming pools, driving schools, dates because of my disability but then there was also always someone to say a yes, at last”, says Sajan.

Amazon has been a great workplace for Sajan. “Here I am treated with respect, as an equal to other employees by the company”. Here he has a platform to voice his grievances freely and is delighted by the fact that Amazon had made provisions for special washroom access for persons with disabilities.

Stories like Sajan’s are inspiring for people with disabilities. They show that with the right skills they will always find a place at Amazon

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