हिंदी में श्री नरेश ओझा जी की कहानी पढ़ने के लिए क्लिक करें। 

More Than Just a Senior Citizen

Until recently, I knew him simply as a senior citizen, someone who, like many others in our society, would gather every evening with fellow seniors for light-hearted chats, hearty laughter, and the occasional burst of jokes. Among them, Naresh Ojha Ji always stood out. His face reflected a deeper sense of peace and happiness, something beyond the ordinary.

You could spot him during our society’s cricket matches, sitting among the spectators, cheering with excitement, clapping enthusiastically, and shouting encouragement with a youthful spirit. However, I was left speechless the day I discovered that this same carefree man is completely visually impaired. How could someone be this joyful in life, despite living in complete darkness?

Among the 500 families of Anukampa Platina, Naresh Ojha Ji is undoubtedly one of the most beloved individuals. When asked the secret behind his cheerful nature, he shares a simple yet profound mantra:

“If you keep crying about your problems, people will drift away. But if you stay happy, everyone will want to be around you.”

What truly amazed me was learning that at the age of 70, Naresh Ojha Ji manages his life with more order and efficiency than most sighted individuals. From keeping his bathroom spotlessly clean, arranging his clothes neatly, filling water bottles, to pouring hot water from an electric kettle into his flask, he performs all these tasks with such skill and joy that even those with full eyesight would fumble in comparison.

More fascinatingly, he remembers over 100 mobile numbers by heart. He uses a standard keypad phone, one with no touchscreen and dials every number on his own, without needing help. He never forgets anyone’s birthday or anniversary; he recalls them all effortlessly.

“Master the pain. Don’t let pain master you.”
This is not just a quote, it’s the very essence of Naresh Ojha Ji’s extraordinary life.

A Journey of Struggle and Self-Reliance from Childhood

Born on January 10, 1955, in the town of Ratangarh, Rajasthan, Naresh Ojha Ji is the eldest of three brothers and a living embodiment of inspiration. His father, the Late Shri Mohanlal Ojha, was a respected lawyer, the Chairman of the Municipal Council, and a celebrated poet known for his wit and humor. His mother, Smt. Shanti Devi Ojha, now 88 years old, has always been at the forefront of social service. Her compassion for the needy is still fondly remembered in every corner of Ratangarh.

From a young age, Naresh Ji was diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. Despite extensive efforts and treatments across India and abroad, no cure could be found. Gradually, his vision deteriorated, and by 2014, he lost his sight completely. However, he never allowed his pain to become his identity.

There was a time when hope was still alive, he was taken to a village near Jodhpur in search of a possible cure. Alas! amidst the crowd and chaos, he fell into a 10-foot-deep pit during the journey. That one incident became a turning point, not just for him, but for the entire family. They realized that rather than chasing miraculous treatments, it was time to embrace reality with courage and inner strength.

Grace and Laughter, Even in Pain

Naresh Ji recalls with a hearty laugh how he used to recite his father’s humorous poems during college events, leaving a unique mark of his own. Even today, his face lights up with enthusiasm when he talks about his college stage performances, especially the comic roles he played, which earned him admiration and affection.

Family: A Tale of Struggle and Fortune

In the early years of his career, Naresh Ojha Ji spent nearly a decade working in taxation, followed by around 15 years in wholesale hosiery business, where he built a strong and trusted reputation for himself.

In 1979, he married Shobha Ji, daughter of the Late Shri Ganpat Lal Goswami and Late Smt. Shanti Devi Goswami of Kanpur. Shobha Ji was not just a life partner, she became his teacher, guide, and unwavering support through every twist and turn of life. She became the very foundation on which his journey of self-reliance was built.

Their daughter, Tapasya, is settled in Jaipur after marrying Piyush Sharma, and currently runs a girls' PG (paying guest accommodation). Their son, Anurodh, and daughter-in-law, Pratibha, both hold senior positions in the corporate world. Naresh Ji considers this the blessing of Salasar Balaji and Thakur Ji that his children have not only succeeded professionally but have also embraced strong cultural and moral values.

Even today, four generations living under one roof is a symbol of this family’s unity, truly blending tradition with modernity, and upholding values that define their way of life.

Active in Social Life

Naresh Ojha Ji expresses heartfelt gratitude to all 105 senior citizens of the society for their companionship. He actively participates in every senior citizen activity and is always ready with a joke, a humorous anecdote, or an entertaining story.
His friends proudly share that he stays fully updated with current affairs by regularly listening to the radio. Not only does he keep himself informed but also updates everyone around him!

Naresh Ji and Shobha Ji often say that settling down in Anukampa Platina feels like a divine blessing from Thakur Ji, making their life even more joyful.

They fondly remember their spiritual trips, 10 days in Dwarka and along with Vidya Bhushan Malhotra Ji and Vinod Vijay Vijayvargiya Ji, and deeply appreciate 7 days in Somnath with Sushil Malpani Ji for always caring for them like family.
Their companions say that traveling with Naresh Ji is never a burden. In fact, his positive attitude and cheerful nature add joy and depth to every journey. His independence, charming personality, and zest for life make him stand out wherever he goes.

Though his hearing has now begun to decline along with his vision, his son Anurodh acted promptly. Upon the recommendation of Malhotra Ji’s relative an Australian eye surgeon, he ensured that Naresh Ji was fitted with a hearing aid before it could affect his daily routine. Thanks to this timely support, his ability to socialize, engage, and move around remains unaffected.

As Naresh Ji shared his life story, it was remarkable how he recalled every date and detail with crystal clarity. We chose to leave some of them out for brevity but his precision and memory were astonishing.

Keep reading-because what comes next is guaranteed to leave you even more inspired!

True Vision Lies in Perspective

The way Naresh Ojha Ji says,

“Before stepping out, I always put on my sunglasses, it makes my face look a bit better.
I may not be able to see the world, but the world can still see me. So why shouldn’t I look smart?”

...touches the heart. His desire to live life fully and in the best way possible makes one realize that true sight is not in the eyes, it’s in one’s perspective.

There’s something incredibly magnetic about his personality and the way he speaks. When Naresh Ji talks while looking directly at you, it’s almost impossible to tell that he cannot see.

He is a regular attendee of the Gita classes held in the society. Referring to a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, he often says:

“What we have is enough.
What we don’t have, perhaps isn’t meant for us.”

He fondly recalls his childhood adventures of riding a bicycle, jumping onto moving buses, and adds with a smile:

“I did everything Thakur Ji wanted me to experience. So why should I be unhappy now?
This body is His gift. He’s only taken back the eyes; everything else is still with me.”

Naresh Ojha Ji’s life teaches us a profound truth, When God takes something away, He also gives much more in return: inner strength, purpose, empathy, and a radiant smile.

After his story was published, it was read aloud to him. He later called and said:

“Personalities Unboxed is a wonderful initiative to bring positivity into people’s lives.
If anyone feels hopeless or is facing challenges related to vision, I would love to meet them through your platform and help them regain hope and perspective.”

Personalities Unboxed salutes Naresh Ojha Ji-
A man who, despite losing his sight, continues to guide others.