Once a sweeper, THIS Maharashtra woman now holds a high managerial post at SBI

While we're all fans of inspirational movies, TV series and novels, there's nothing more motivating than a real-life success story. Whether one is feeling low or is in the mood to go out there and conquer the world, one inspiring story is all it takes to instil a whole lot of hope and positivity.

Here is one such story of a Pune woman who started from the bottom and is literally on the top now! A self-made woman whose life is nothing short of a lesson in itself. To put it simply, if there's one thing you wish to read today to gain motivation, this has to be it! So, read on.

Born to poor parents in Pune, Pratiksha could not even sit for her class X examination as she was married off at the tender age of 16. She enjoyed marital bliss for a while and the union even welcomed a baby boy into this world. However, this happiness was short-lived for Pratiksha lost her husband in an accident soon after.

Widowed at 20 with a child, things quickly went south for Pratiksha. But as it is said, you have to be where you are to get where you need to go, this young widow took it upon herself to not just survive but to thrive and pave the way for a better life for herself and more importantly, her child.

Pratiksha started working part-time as a sweeper and a cleaner at SBI initially to earn a living. To fend for herself and her son, Pratiksha took up other odd jobs as well but also made sure she got back to studies for she wanted to complete her basic education.

Martin Luther King Jr once said, "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope". Pratiksha's work as a sweeper at SBI moved her aspirations and attracted her to the male-dominated banking sector. With sheer determination, Pratiksha not only completed her basic education but also graduated in Psychology in 1995.

This ensured her promotion to the position of a clerk and only made her work even harder. After a successful attempt at the banking examinations and 37 years later, Pratiksha, is now working as the Assistant General Manager, one of the top managerial positions at the SBI in Mumbai, the same place where she once worked as a sweeper!

Nearing her retirement now, Pratiksha's life is no less than an inspiration to anyone and everyone who is facing a difficult time personally, professionally or even emotionally.