Eyeway Conversations with K Sriram

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in an inspiring conversation with K Sriram from Chennai, a visionary leader with a remarkable journey spanning corporate management, academia, entrepreneurship, and environmental advocacy. From his early days at Infosys to his groundbreaking work in assistive technology and ecological restoration, Sriram exemplifies resilience and innovation. Born with retinitis pigmentosa, Sriram shares how he navigated a world without screen readers during his academic journey at Loyola College and IIM Bangalore. He later thrived in the professional environment at Infosys. He recounts how the organization introduced him to screen readers, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Driven by a passion for geography, chemistry, and nature, Sriram left the corporate world to pursue a PhD focusing on the intersection of environment, society, and business. His entrepreneurial venture, delivering farm-fresh produce to doorsteps years before it became a trend, reflects his commitment to sustainability and empowering small farmers. Sriram also delves into his contributions to assistive technology as an advisor with Continual Engine and Samarthanam, pushing boundaries in accessibility for visually impaired individuals through AI-driven solutions. Beyond his professional life, Sriram talks about his love for nature, music, and news, offering a glimpse into his well-rounded personal life as a devoted family man and amateur flutist. Join us for this enriching episode that not only highlights Sriram’s journey but also inspires us to ask: What have we done for society and nature? Topics Covered: Early life with partial vision and academic journey at Loyola College and IIM Bangalore. Corporate experience at Infosys, including his introduction to screen readers. Transition to academia with a PhD focusing on environment, society, and business. Entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector (2013-2019) – delivering farm-fresh produce and reducing food waste. Environmental advocacy through Jungle Scapes and ecological restoration in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Work with Continual Engine on AI-powered solutions for assistive technology. Contributions to Samarthanam in accelerating technology adoption for differently abled individuals. Balancing professional life with personal interests: Carnatic music, news, and nature. Resources Mentioned: Continual Engine: AI-driven accessibility solutions for visually impaired individuals. Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: Technology adoption and empowerment initiatives. Jungle Scapes: Ecological restoration in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Eyeway National Toll-Free Helpline:If you or someone you know with vision impairment needs guidance, contact 1-800-5320-469.