10 October,2026 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Shrikant Khuperkar
Gangadhar Bhoye, the visually impaired radio repairman, with his family. Pics/ShirIkant Khuperkar
Ashok Gangadhar Bhoye lost his eyesight after suffering from smallpox at the age of three. Today, he earns a living repairing old radios, tape recorders and other electrical equipment - work he developed an interest in as a child. Bhoye studied up to Std X at Rashtriya Vidyalaya in Chalisgaon, Jalgaon district. He later joined Ambedkar College in Malegaon but discontinued his studies after he could not find a writer to assist him during examinations.
He tried several jobs, including a telephone course, selling bananas, running a flour mill and a general store. He eventually began working at repair shops, where people often questioned how a blind man could repair electrical equipment.
"I used to tell them not to worry and come back after two days. I would make every effort to return their equipment in working condition," Bhoye recalled.
Recently, Bhoye travelled to Bhayandar to collect an old radio from a customer who wanted it repaired. He is now trying to determine whether the vintage set can still be restored and what the repair will cost.
Senior social worker and former Vangani Gram Panchayat member Manohar Shelar said the town is home to a sizeable community of visually impaired people.
According to Shelar:
231
Persons with disabilities officially registered with the Vangani Gram Panchayat
Rs 2600
Cheque distributed to eligible beneficiaries in 2025
5%
Of the gram panchayat's annual revenue allocated for their welfare, including household goods or financial assistance
Shelar said he had earlier arranged 250 blankets and 250 tiffin boxes. Several visually impaired families have settled near Vangani station, where rooms are available at low rents. "Vangani Gram Panchayat and social workers are continuously supporting our differently abled brothers and sisters," Shelar said.
Auto-rickshaw drivers in Vangani recognise Bhoye when visitors ask for the "radio repairman".
Shelar said Vangani's visually impaired community also includes artists who perform at school programmes and Ganeshotsav celebrations. Social worker Dr Tai Patil has helped 25 visually impaired artists come together to form the Tri Netra Foundation professional orchestra.
Bhoye came to Vangani in 2007. Local resident Ankush Patnore allowed him to stay without charging rent. He initially earned money by selling toys and chikki and providing massage and acupuncture services. He married Gauri in 2008 through a local organisation working for visually impaired people. The couple has two daughters, one of whom is studying in Std XI near Shirdi.
Gradually, Bhoye returned to repairing old radios, tape recorders and other electrical equipment. His home now has dozens of old machines, while more are kept at his native place.
Bhoye's repair business got an unusual start when a Mumbai resident contacted him about an old wooden radio. A scrap dealer was willing to pay Rs 50 for it. Bhoye offered Rs 150, bought the radio, repaired it and eventually sold it for Rs 1600. His reputation has since spread beyond Vangani. He receives calls from different places and travels alone to collect old radios and other electrical equipment. A person from Dombivli's Deslepada helps him source spare parts. Bhoye also continues to learn through YouTube, with support from his daughter and a person from Gujarat who has trained him through online videos.
Two lifts have been installed on the eastern and western sides of Vangani station through the efforts of the railway passengers' organisation. Shelar, who is a member of the railway's suburban advisory committee, has demanded another lift on the platform to make the station more accessible for persons with disabilities.
