Dr. Ranjana Joshi has overcome immense personal and professional challenges, including a debilitating accident in her childhood. She has been awarded more than 27 prestigious honors, including the Rajasthan Gaurav Ratna Award, and was adjudged Miss India International Wheelchair Beauty, and the Face of India in 2020.

Dr. Ranjana Joshi is an Assistant Professor and Researcher at GLA University, Mathura. Alongside her role in the university, she is also a Motivational Speaker and Social Activist.

Dr. Joshi is associated with several organizations where she devotes her time to work for differently-abled individuals, including the hearing and speech impaired. She celebrates festivals and important occasions with the differently-abled and offers her support to them.

Dr. Ranjana Joshi has  been conferred with several awards where the ‘Rajasthan Gaurav Ratna Award’ and the ‘Rajasthan Samajsevi Award’ were the most prestigious. She was also crowned Miss India International Wheelchair Beauty in a contest in Malaysia in 2020, and was featured in the Top 10 Inspiring Persons on the Front Cover of the book ‘100 Inspiring Indians’. In 2020, she was also recognized as the ‘Face of India’ and a “pace setter”.  She was included in the Talent Record Book. Dr. Joshi has won a total of 27 State,national and international awards so far.

Dr. Ranjana Joshi says her choice to pursue Computer Science was guided by the broad opportunities available in the field. She believes this field allows individuals to work in the fields of IT, education and research, and even helps in starting your own ventures as a freelancer.

Dr. Joshi emphasizes that in the field of Computer Science Engineering, students are guided to build a strong foundation in the subject to attain success. She believes the first step in learning any subject is to grasp the basics clearly, as it forms the core understanding required for more advanced studies. This foundational knowledge enables students to comprehend the subject deeply and provides the practical skills necessary to excel in the field.

In the context of Computer Science, Dr. Joshi highlights that practical knowledge should always be prioritized over theoretical concepts. While theory is important, hands-on experience and application of skills help students prepare better for real-world challenges. The main programming languages students need to master includes C++ and Python, and also Artificial Intelligence (AI). A deep understanding of these languages allows students to work on diverse projects, solve complex problems, and progress in various sectors of IT, research, and even entrepreneurship.

Dr. Ranjana Joshi firmly believes that having a strong command over these practical skills opens doors to numerous career opportunities in the ever-evolving world of technology. Whether it’s developing software, creating AI applications, or starting a freelance IT business, students who are proficient in these languages can advance in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Talking about her disability, Dr. Ranjana Joshi recalls a life changing incident that happened to her when she was just two years old, when they lived in Kushalgarh in Banswara. On a fateful day, a neighbor took her along to play, and she tragically fell from a roof. Her father rushed her to Udaipur, where doctors diagnosed that her spine had been severely damaged, leaving her left leg paralyzed. From that moment on, her struggle to heal herself began, with constant treatments and visits to hospitals in Ajmer, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and beyond.

In 1985, Dr. Dholakiya, a renowned spine surgeon from America, came to India. Dr. Ranjana consulted her and he agreed to operate on her. The first surgery was done in 1985. It was a delicate and complicated spinal operation, which lasted an excruciating 22 hours. Despite the long time taken, the operation was a success, though Dr. Joshi faced many complications post-surgery. For an entire year, she had to remain on complete bed rest to allow her body to heal and recover fully.

During that time, as she was confined to a lying position, her parents were her constant caregivers. Despite the physical limitations, Dr. Joshi was determined to continue her education. She prepared for her 10th grade exams while lying down, and with incredible resilience, she successfully completed her exams. When she passed the exam, it was a moment of great joy and pride for her and her family, as she had achieved this milestone under such difficult circumstances.

Her strength only grew stronger with time. She went on to complete her 12th grade with impressive marks and then proceeded to finish both her BA and MA degrees, all while lying down for five long years due to her physical condition.

Life was going on happily when in a twist of fate, she had to face another heart-wrenching challenge when her mother, who had always been her pillar of strength, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her father was compelled to live at Mumbai to support her mother’s treatment, including visits to Breach Candy and Jaslok Hospitals. In his absence, Ranjana not only had to manage her own education but also take care of her younger siblings, overseeing their education and handling the daily household tasks.

Despite being unable to walk, and enduring her own physical struggles, Dr. Joshi carried on with grace and responsibility. Managing everything together was extremely difficult, but with the love and support of her family, she overcame each obstacle that came her way.

Dr. Ranjana Joshi's journey has been filled with challenges and struggles, but her father stood by her through it all. Despite having a government job as an engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD), Dr. Joshi's father faced numerous difficulties, especially when his job was taken away due to the family's circumstances. Yet, through every hardship, her father remained a pillar of support, helping her navigate the toughest times of her life.

As the eldest of five siblings, Dr. Joshi carried the weight of many responsibilities on her shoulders. The struggles were numerous, and the path was never easy, but she tackled each challenge head-on. She had to ensure her siblings were settled and cared for, all while balancing her own dreams and education. Her father's unwavering support and passion for her success kept her moving forward.

Thirty years ago, life was far more difficult, with limited communication, no mobile phones, and no access to online shopping. Despite those hardships, Dr. Joshi managed to ensure that her siblings completed their graduations, ensuring that they had the opportunity to succeed. After her mother’s death, Dr. Joshi took on even more responsibility, helping her siblings with their marriages. She supported her brother’s education as well, encouraging him to pursue an MBA. Despite her own challenges, she helped him navigate the road to higher education.

At that point, Dr. Joshi, having completed her BA and MA, began to think about her future. She feared that finding a job might be difficult, so she decided to pursue a different path and enrolled in a PGDCA program at Rajasthan Vidyapeeth. However, her journey wasn’t smooth, and she faced a setback when she failed in the first semester. This failure was a heavy blow, and she felt demotivated.

Her father, who had always been a source of strength, reassured her, telling her not to lose hope. He reminded her that failure was just a step on the way to success and encouraged her to stay focused on her goals. With renewed motivation and support from her faculty members, Dr. Joshi put in extra effort and dedication. She passed the PGDCA program securing the first rank and achieving 80% in the process.

After completing her PGDCA from Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, she pursued an MSc in IT to strengthen her technical expertise, followed by an M.Tech degree from Pacific Institute of Engineering under RTU. Throughout her M.Tech course, she realized that further studies would help her gain a solid identity in her field, which led her to start pursuing a PhD while working.

After starting her career, she faced challenges trying to find institutions that could cater to her needs. One particularly tough moment came when an institution responded by saying that her condition was unsuitable for the job. Despite this setback, she joined a college but was faced with several obstacles there too, including financial difficulties, and she could not even afford a proper wheelchair.

Additionally, she encountered emotional and professional challenges in her job at a university. Despite hardships, she persevered in her job for five years. However, not all experiences were negative; she was also supported by other people in the institution, including the Dean and many professors, who treated her with kindness and encouragement, helping her continue her journey in academia and beyond.

However, just when things were looking up for Dr. Joshi, a new, painful challenge came into her life. Her younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, a condition linked to genetic factors. This diagnosis hit Dr. Joshi hard, as it came at a time when she had just started her new job and was working tirelessly to settle into her role. Now, in addition to her professional responsibilities, she had to step in and support her sister through that difficult time.

Dr. Joshi worked eight hours a day in her job, but she never allowed the challenges of life to stop her from being there for her sister. She balanced her demanding work schedule with caring for her sister and working on her PhD thesis. The pressure of managing all these responsibilities started to take a toll on her, leaving her feeling disheartened and hopeless. She reminded herself that tough paths often lead to something good. This belief kept her going. Dr. Joshi understood that no matter how tough the journey, it was necessary to stay strong and keep pushing forward. This challenging period in her life tested her willpower, but it also made her even more determined to succeed, both for herself and for her sister. She continued to move forward with courage, showing resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite the challenges, she completed her PhD in just 3 years and 6 months, proving that her willpower was stronger than any obstacle. During that time, her sister, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, was also declared cancer-free, bringing immense relief and joy to their family.

As she progressed through her PhD, she became increasingly aware of the social issues affecting women and the elderly. She closely monitored cases of women facing violence, harassment, and discrimination. She also witnessed the hardships faced by elderly individuals, particularly those abandoned by their children or struggling with financial difficulties. These issues struck a deep chord with her, and she realized that she could do more to help the women and the elderly in distress.

Dr. Joshi decided to pursue a law degree (LLB). Her motivation was clear. She wanted to help women who were victims of harassment and violence, and support elderly people who were living in distress. She envisioned a world where she could use her legal expertise to fight for the rights of those who were often overlooked by society, empowering them to lead better lives. Dr. Joshi’s decision to pursue law was driven by her desire to be a voice for the voiceless and to solve the problems faced by vulnerable women and elderly individuals.

The story of her life was covered in a book titled ‘Swayam Siddha’  which  is available on Kindle, Amazon, Flipkart and other online platforms. One of the most memorable and significant moments in her life was when she had the opportunity to meet Kalraj Mishra, the Governor of Rajasthan, at Raj Bhavan to present him her book. During that meeting, he took the time to read about her achievements and blessed her. His words of encouragement were a turning point in her life. He motivated her, telling her that she could be an inspiration to many women in the field of women empowerment. That moment reinforced her belief in herself and her mission to be a source of motivation for other women, proving that with determination, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things.

When asked about it, Dr. Ranjana Joshi says she considers her father as a role model. She lost her mother 25 years ago, after being treated for cancer for five years, but her father stepped up to provide her with both the love and support typically offered by both parents. He filled the roles of both mother and father, nurturing her with boundless love. She deeply admires his strength and dedication, and her desire to achieve greatness is driven by her wish to make him proud. Whether it was spending long hours outside the college to get her thesis approved or waiting all day for her convocation ceremony, Dr. Joshi knows that her father’s love and encouragement were pivotal in helping her through every stage of her academic journey. She sees his hand in her success, recognizing that his sacrifices and love were the foundation that allowed her to achieve everything she has.

Her father’s influence continues to motivate her, and Ranjana Joshi is determined to honor him by continuing to strive for excellence in everything she does. For Dr. Joshi, her father's love is the greatest gift, and she aims to achieve even greater heights to repay his dedication and support.

Dr. Ranjana Joshi’s favorite line that she always keeps close to her heart is,

“मंज़िल पर ही है नज़र, पीछे मुड़कर नहीं देखा मील का पत्थर।”

This powerful phrase encapsulates her unwavering focus on her goals. Throughout her journey, she has remained determined, never allowing herself to be distracted or discouraged by the challenges and obstacles she faced. She believes in staying motivated and keeping her eyes fixed on the destination, no matter how tough the path may be.

Dr. Joshi has always emphasized the importance of having a clear aim and a determined mindset, no matter the circumstances. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, and she continues to inspire others with her belief that all goals can be achieved with the right amount of determination and strength, even when faced with adversity.

Dr. Joshi speaks from personal experience. Despite facing her own physical challenges, she never allowed them to hinder her aspirations. She lived her life with grace, and her strength serves as an inspiration for others to do the same. She says, “Never doubt yourself because of the disability you possess—make it your power.”

Dr. Ranjana Joshi has learned a powerful lesson through her struggles that only perseverance and determination lead to success. She believes that even through the toughest times, the good will prevail. She has faced many challenges head-on, always striving to improve her situation and live a better life. By solving problems with grace and resilience.

If she had the opportunity to use a time machine, Dr. Joshi says she would travel back to the moment when she was just two years old. She wishes to change the incident that led to her paralysis, as it set the course for many tough times in her life. She believes that if that event hadn't happened, her life could have been on a completely different level, and she could have avoided many of the challenges she faced.

Dr. Ranjana Joshi's message to the younger generation is one of strength, determination, and self-belief. She encourages them to recognize that life is a beautiful gift, and with robust determination, they can achieve any goal they set for themselves. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear aims and pursuing them relentlessly, without letting setbacks or failures demotivate them.

In her message, she also encourages everyone to inspire and motivate those around them. She believes that the definition of success is not about avoiding challenges, but about facing them with courage and rising above them. She reminds young people to never let any disability or limitation define them. Instead, they should turn any challenge into their source of power.

Her message is simple yet profound: Live your life with purpose, keep your dreams high, and never lose hope. Whether you're in a wheelchair or facing any other obstacle, everything is possible with determination and the right mindset. Each person has the potential to create happiness in their own life and spread it to those around them.