Differently abled shows the way to self-reliance

Not very long ago, Santosh Kumar, a differently abled person, was struggling to find a work for himself. The struggle did not deter him from taking inspirations and thinking innovatively. He did not succumb to failures and converted his weakness into strength, thereby creating a support system not just for himself but also for others like him.

After graduation, Santosh started searching for a job. After doing some odd jobs, he decided to do something in which more people like him could also get employment.

He took a loan from relatives and set up a bakery unit at a cost of Rs six lakh. Today, about 20 Divyangs (differently abled persons) work there.

Santosh says he aims to increase the manpower to 50 this year.

In his bakery unit, products are prepared in the name of "Tasty Bread". Products such as bread and cream rolls are the speciality of this bakery.

Santosh told IANS that the inspiration to set up a bakery unit came from a group of women. Currently, each of his staff is paid Rs 300-400 daily.

The workers have a specially made tricycle fitted with a trolley. They carry out their work comfortably by loading the goods into the trolley.

Santosh said an effort is underway to make differently abled persons self reliant. He says there is a target to provide around 400 to 500 jobs.

Santosh has modified his Maruti 800 car, according to his own needs and has all his brake gear clutch near his hands.

Apart from this, Santosh also runs a school named Kiran Disabled Social Welfare Institute to educate the disabled and poor children. In this, about 40 to 50 children are being educated currently.

In the coronavirus-triggered crisis phase, Santosh has been distributing bread and cream rolls made from his bakery to the poor people daily. Tarpaulin and foil have also been provided to the people living in the slum.

Uttam Ojha, Member, Central Advisory Board for Disability, Empowerment, said that Santosh Kumar is making the Divyangs self-independent by providing them employment.

"He would be extended all possible help. If this model is successful, it can be implemented in the country as well," he said.