Vision Loss to Visionary: Piyush Rakhecha's Inspiring Career in Finance Triumphing Odds

The room was dark, not because the lights had been turned off, but because the world Piyush Rakhecha had once known was slowly fading from view. At just 14, with barely 5% of his vision left, the doctors had delivered a crushing sentence: there was no hope of seeing again.

For most, this would have been the end. A future as black as the night behind his eyelids. A collapse of not just sight, but that of dreams. Yet for Piyush, it was a new beginning.

Where most would have given in, Piyush began a battle – one that would pit him against the very boundaries of human resilience.

Today, decades later, despite being 100% blind, Piyush stands tall as a visionary entrepreneur, running Rakhecha Finserv – a wealth management firm that handles over INR 100 crore assets under management (AUM), serving both resident and NRI clients.

Sitting in his office on bustling Camac Street in downtown Kolkata, Piyush exuded a sense of calm and confidence that belied the challenges he had faced. He introspected nonchalantly, “When one closes one’s eyes, it’s all dark – what is the difference then between a visually impaired and a sighted person? Can anyone really ‘see’ the future?”

These poignant words capture the essence of Piyush’s journey. For him it was not the end of vision, but the beginning of a new kind of sight – one that sees not with the eyes, but with the mind.

A Story of Hope and Triumph

October marks World Blindness Awareness Month, a time to highlight the experiences of and raise awareness about the visually impaired community. In this spirit, The Telegraph Online Edugraph brings to you Piyush Rakhecha’s remarkable journey – an inspiring tale of how adversity can be transformed into strength and a successful career can be built if only one puts one’s mind to it.

Embracing Reality

Piyush’s journey began with an ordinary childhood and an extraordinary challenge. His childhood was filled with the usual fantasies of youth – travelling the world, building a future where anything was possible, and becoming successful. But life had other plans. “I was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a rare genetic eye disease that damages the retina and ultimately leads to vision loss. Initially, I had about 50% of normal vision, but by the 7th grade, it had deteriorated to less than 5%. My mother noticed it for the first time when I couldn’t read the time from a wall clock,” he recalled. Despite trying various treatments, Piyush's vision kept declining.

In those early years, his mother became his eyes, reading out study materials while Piyush absorbed every word. The Heritage School, Kolkata, where he studied, played a crucial role in supporting him, with his then school principal, Seema Sapru, ensuring he received all necessary accommodations. He was allowed a reading scribe for his ICSE board exams. He wrote his class 10 exams himself but soon realised that he needed more help. By class 12, he used a scribe for both reading and writing. This support enabled him to overcome his challenges and focus on his studies.

Finding Light Through Technology

As Piyush’s world grew darker, a ray of light emerged in the form of technology. "Towards the fag end of class 12, I discovered text-to-speech softwares like JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and Apple's VoiceOver which transformed my ability to read and engage with digital content. I trained to use these through the Welfare Society for the Blind, West Bengal, and that’s how I could continue my studies," he explained, a hint of excitement colouring his voice. These tools somewhat alleviated the daily obstacles he faced, allowing him to access study materials independently and participate more fully in his education. "It felt like I had gained a superpower," he laughed, and in many ways, he had.

Equipped with these new tools, Piyush pursued his BCom Honours at The Bhawanipur Education Society College. His vision might have been fading, but his ambition was only growing stronger. In the second year of graduation, he took on the Common Admission Test (CAT) challenge. But cracking the fiercely competitive entrance exam which serves as a gateway for gaining admission to the country’s most prestigious management institutions, was yet another hurdle waiting to be overcome.

Mainstream CAT coaching centres were not equipped for teaching visually impaired students and would not provide soft copy study materials, leaving Piyush disheartened. His private tutor provided some guidance, nevertheless he did not manage to clear CAT in his first attempt in 2011. Determined not to give up, he tried again in 2012, with his cousin as his scribe in the exam, and finally succeeded.

He enrolled at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur for a two-year residential MBA programme (2013-2015). That marked a turning point in his life.

Beyond academics, it was the social skills and connections he developed that mattered most, Piyush shared. “We lived on a makeshift campus as the main campus construction was still underway. That led to the forging of very close bonds between all of us – a batch of 120 MBA aspirants, and that was invaluable. Today, 50 of them are my clients! That experience truly shaped me,” he narrated cheerfully.

Finding His Calling in Finance

Piyush truly found his calling during his stint at IIM Raipur. “I’m not sure if I chose finance or if it chose me, but the turning point was during my MBA programme. Many of my batchmates, especially those from engineering backgrounds (about 83% of them), had limited knowledge about finance and investments. With my Commerce background and early experience in investing – thanks to the INR 20,000 my father had given to me to open my first demat account right after school – I started advising them on accounts and investments. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also solidified my interest in finance.”

By his second year in the MBA programme, he was certain that he wanted a career in financial services, either independently or with a consultancy. However, when he did not secure placements of choice, he chose to broaden his horizons. “I joined a student exchange programme at Grenoble Ecole de Management in France, focusing on ‘Geopolitics and International Business’. This three-month experience exposed me to diverse cultures, ideas, and international perspectives.”

Armed with knowledge, confidence, and a newfound vision, he took the bold step to start his firm in early 2016. “After my MBA and exchange programme, I spent around six months figuring out how to start my own firm. I received initial guidance from a brother-in-law in the industry and then began reaching out to other experienced professionals online. While many were hesitant, a few generously invited me to their offices, guiding me on industry essentials, licensing, compliances, and tie-ups with mutual fund and stockbroking companies, etc.”

In 2016, he started his own wealth management firm called the Royal Eastern Financial Services Company. But the vision was always larger than life.

Rakhecha Finserv: A Vision for Wealth and Inclusivity

In May 2024, the firm was rebranded as Rakhecha Finserv, and Piyush had already transformed it into one of India's fastest growing wealth management companies with over INR 100 crore Assets Under Management (AUM). “We began with friends and family as our first set of clients. In the first year of operations, we had 40 clients, but today we manage over 350 B2C clients and have ventured into B2B deals as well negotiating favourable terms for businesses,” he shared with unmistakable pride.

Fostering a More Inclusive Society

As Piyush shared his vision for the future, it was evident that his success wasn't just about financial gains. “I believe schools, universities, and workplaces must be more inclusive," he said passionately. “While special schools for children with disabilities are commendable, integrating them into mainstream institutions is essential for preparing them for the real world. This promotes mutual understanding and empathy, allowing children with and without disabilities to grow together.”

He strongly advocates for the providing of equal opportunities and support for differently-abled individuals at workplaces as well, which would help them realise that their challenges can be their greatest strengths.

His words carried the weight of personal experience, a journey marked by countless battles, both seen and unseen. “Success stories of differently-abled individuals should be shared widely. Growing up I did not have access to such inspirational accounts,” he added. "It’s not just about motivation; it’s about showing what's possible."

A Career in Entrepreneurship and Finance

Piyush’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and students was simple yet profound. “Entrepreneurship is a challenging and often lonely journey, where having family support can make a world of difference. I was fortunate to have that backing, but I deeply admire those who thrive despite limited financial and familial support,” he asserted.

He highlighted how society, and sometimes even one’s own family, might be hesitant about one’s career, and by extension, life choices. This is why a strong belief system is crucial.

As for students aspiring to build a career in finance, Piyush recommended starting with a solid foundation: "Read books like Rich Dad Poor Dad and The Intelligent Investor. Stay updated with financial news, gain real world experience through internships and keep yourself informed on the latest innovations in the domain such as blockchain technology, etc."

Looking Ahead with Purpose and Passion

Today, as a mentor, Piyush conducts investor awareness programmes for the visually impaired, both in person and online.

“I conduct investor awareness programmes specifically for visually impaired individuals at least once or twice a month. These free workshops are held across the country. I believe this is a meaningful way for me to give back to society and empower others in my community,” he shared.

“Each of us encounters challenges, and I view these obstacles as part of a larger game. The worst outcome of facing challenges is failure, but overcoming them brings immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. As long as we are engaged in this game, we remain in the race. Life without challenges lacks meaning,” he signed off..

As we observe World Blindness Awareness Month, it’s easy to look at Piyush Rakhecha’s accomplishments – his thriving business, his influential role in wealth management – and marvel at his success. But what truly sets him apart is not his professional achievements. It’s his ability to look at the world, stripped of all its illusions, and still find beauty, opportunity, and hope in it.

In a world obsessed with appearances, Piyush Rakhecha gives us a timeless lesson in the innate capacity of the human spirit to triumph against all odds - the greatest visionaries are not those who see the world as it is, but those who see it as it could be.