Meet Pratiksha Tondwalkar: How Pune woman went from cleaning SBI office for ₹60–65 a month to becoming AGM
In 1985, Pratiksha Tondwalkar was appointed as a part-time cleaner at the bank, earning around ₹60 to ₹65 a month, News18 reported. She took up the job to support her young son.
Pratiksha Tondwalkar, a woman from Pune, India, defied odds to rise from a cleaner at State Bank of India (SBI) to Assistant General Manager. Born in 1964, Pratiksha came from an economically disadvantaged family and dropped out of school after Class 7. At 16-17, she got married and had a son at 19. Tragedy struck when her husband died in a road accident when she was just 20, leaving her with a young child and financial hardships.
Initially working as a tailor, Pratiksha moved to Mumbai with her son and applied for a job at SBI, where she was hired as a part-time cleaner in 1985, earning around ₹60-65 per month. To support her son, she also worked at a shoe factory. Despite her demanding schedule, Pratiksha pursued her education, clearing her Class 10 exam on her first attempt and later completing her Class 12 and psychology degree from a night college in Mumbai.
In 1990, she joined SBI as a messenger and gradually climbed the ranks, becoming a clerk-cum-cashier in 1995. Her career progressed alongside her education. In June 2022, Pratiksha was appointed as Assistant General Manager at SBI. Her journey is a testament to discipline, resilience, and smart investing. Post her career at SBI, Pratiksha pursued a two-year course in naturopathy at the age of 55 and helps underprivileged children with their education.
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