Who Is Pratiksha Tondwalkar? She Joined SBI As A Cleaner In 1985, Became Assistant General Manager In 2022 | Education and Career News
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Pratiksha Tondwalkar Success Story: In 1990, she was promoted from cleaner to messenger. After graduation, she cleared a departmental exam and became a clerk-cum-cashier in 1995.
In 1985, Pratiksha Tondwalkar was appointed as a part-time cleaner at SBI, earning around Rs 60 to Rs 65 a month. (File Photo)
Pratiksha Tondwalkar’s journey from working as a part-time cleaner at the State Bank of India (SBI) to becoming an Assistant General Manager (AGM) is an example of how education and determination can change a person’s life. After facing financial difficulties and losing her husband at the age of 20, she took up a cleaning job to support her young son. Alongside her work, she continued her education and eventually rose through the ranks at the same bank. At 55, she also fulfilled her long-held dream of studying naturopathy.
Born in Pune, Maharashtra, in 1964, Pratiksha came from a financially disadvantaged family. She got married at the age of 16 or 17 and had to discontinue her education after Class 7. Her husband, Sadashiv Kadu, died in a road accident around three years after their marriage. She was just 20 years old, and their son was about a year old.
Following his death, Pratiksha initially worked as a tailor before moving to Mumbai with her son. She approached an SBI branch to collect her late husband’s pending salary and requested the branch manager for a job. In 1985, she was appointed as a part-time cleaner at the bank, earning around Rs 60 to Rs 65 a month.
Her responsibilities included sweeping the premises, cleaning toilets and furniture before the bank opened. To manage household expenses, she also worked at a shoe factory. Despite her demanding schedule, she decided to resume her education.
Pratiksha bought second-hand textbooks for Classes 8, 9 and 10 from a scrap dealer and studied at night under the light of a kerosene lamp. She cleared her Class 10 exam on her first attempt, scoring 60 per cent. She later joined a night college in Vikhroli, Mumbai, completed Class 12 and graduated in psychology.
Her career at SBI also progressed alongside her education. In 1990, she was promoted from cleaner to messenger. After graduation, she cleared a departmental exam and became a clerk-cum-cashier in 1995.
She then married Pramod Tondwalkar in 1993, who encouraged her to continue studying and appear for departmental examinations. She subsequently became a trainee officer and moved into senior positions. In June 2022, she was appointed Assistant General Manager at SBI.
Pratiksha continued learning even after reaching a senior position in the bank. At the age of 55, she completed a two-year course in naturopathy, fulfilling a long-standing personal ambition.
She also helps children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with their education. Her journey highlights how she continued to pursue education while managing work and family responsibilities, eventually building a career at the institution where she had started as a cleaner.
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Ask News18Pratiksha Tondwalkar started working at the State Bank of India in 1985 as a part-time cleaner, earning around Rs 60 to Rs 65 a month after approaching the branch manager for a job to support her young son.
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November 10, 2026, 11:03 IST
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