Archive · 29 Jul 2026
IIT Kanpur student battles 80% vision loss
Rohan Mukherjee is a 21-year-old who has lost 80% of his vision due to a rare eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa.
Despite this challenge, he has always been determined to achieve his goals.
He recently moved to IIT Kanpur to start an integrated MSc-PhD program in sustainable energy engineering.
Rohan's journey has been difficult, especially in school.
When he was younger, his teachers didn't understand his condition and often isolated him.
However, things changed when he joined an inclusive school that provided him with the support he needed.
Rohan has always been independent and confident in his abilities.
He believes that if you can visualize your goals and truly believe in them, you can achieve anything.
Rohan's story is a testament to his determination and resilience.
Rohan Mukherjee, a 21-year-old physics graduate, has lost 80% of his vision due to retinitis pigmentosa.
He secured admission to IIT Kanpur's integrated MSc-PhD programme in sustainable energy engineering.
Rohan's journey began at the age of two when he was first diagnosed with myopia, later found to be retinitis pigmentosa.
He faced isolation and lack of support in mainstream schools but thrived in an inclusive school with personalized attention.
Rohan scored 92.3% in Madhyamik and 84% in Higher Secondary, using technology to aid his studies.
- Who
- Rohan Mukherjee, a 21-year-old physics graduate from Jadavpur University
- What
- Battling 80% vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa, Rohan has secured admission to IIT Kanpur's integrated MSc-PhD programme in sustainable energy engineering.
- When
- Rohan moved to IIT Kanpur earlier this month, with classes beginning on July 23.
- Where
- IIT Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- To pursue his research goals in sustainable energy engineering despite his vision impairment.
Inclusive Education
Mainstream Education
Support for Special Needs
Inclusive Education
Inclusive schools provide personalized support and customized materials, creating a level playing field for students with special needs.
Mainstream Education
Mainstream schools often struggle to provide individualized attention due to limited awareness or large class sizes.
- Name
- Rohan Mukherjee
- Age
- 21
- Condition
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Vision Loss
- 80%
- Current Institution
- IIT Kanpur
- Program
- Integrated MSc-PhD in Sustainable Energy Engineering
- Previous Institution
- Jadavpur University
- Diagnosis Age
- 2 years old
- Initial Diagnosis
- Myopia
- Current School
- Bloomingdale Academy High School
- Madhyamik Percentage
- 92.3%
- Higher Secondary Percentage
- 84%