Here’s how you empower the differently abled
Last week, I spent some time at a very unusual small company in Bengaluru. It was one of the most uplifting experiences I have had in a very long time.
The company is called Vindhya E-Infomedia.
What makes it unusual is that almost 95% of its staff of 200 youngsters comprises differently-abled and physically challenged youngsters. What makes it special is their team-spirit, their dedication, their sincerity and commitment to their work. What made the experience uplifting was the palpable feeling of pride, dignity and achievement I sensed that day.
In their own words:
(Vindhya is)….not an NGO but a private company striving to achieve our own sales & a small piece of profit by providing excellent service…by overcoming all our disabilities..
Vindhya Founder-MD Pavithra Giri
Vindhya is the brainchild of Pavithra Giri who started the company 4 years ago with just two employees, no customers and tonnes of self-belief and enthusiasm. She taught herself sign language to be able to communicate with her staff…and one of the most unusual part of her role as Chairwoman and Managing Director is to personally interview candidates who have been rejected by her HR department. Her attention to detail extends all the way to ordering special chairs and designing suitable job roles for her hires.
Vindhya has grown remarkably well in a short span of four years (from 2 to 200 employees). Their website mentions:
People are very valuable to us, hence we choose and nurture them carefully.
A vast majority of corporate websites say this…Vindhya means it. The staff is provided meals on site and has access to subsidised housing. It invests in the initial training of employees – brushing up their computer skills; helping them increase their typing speed and putting them through English classes (since most are from rural backgrounds).
Vindhya is what a noble mission looks like.
If you work in a company that can make use of their services OR are yourself responsible for some outsourcing decisions, do get in touch with them. I don’t think you will be disappointed. And pl. do spread the word…
Somewhat Related Post: This, not reservations, is the answer…
Hi Shantanu,
Thanks for posting this valuable and immensely aspiring information about this inovative effort.
This is what I dreamt when I was finsihing my graduation but didn’t tried due to apprehensions. I feel humbly obliged to this person and her efforts. I don’t have words to explain ……what she did.
Looking forward to do the same ….
AAryan
||namo Bhaartam namO Sanskritam||
Shantanu,
Thanks for this!! Really uplifting.
For a country where female infanticide is the result of a mental plague, we need thousand Pavitras.
Interesting post Shantanu.
I remember an earlier post by you on a similar company (either Chennai or Pune based) which also employed a significant number of disabled people.
The Government while giving all sorts of unwanted benefits to various societal castes and communities should focus on ensuring that opportunities (not reservations) are provided to the differently-abled and physically challenged youngsters.
Sir, can a Physically Challenged person help ppl. He just wants to ensure atleast now 170 children. He has to be put in a wheel chair to move,need help for basic outing. Pls. visit http://maithritrust.org/about_us.html. i can only be his servant nothing else. I am happy.
Shantanu, thanks for sharing such a wonderful and inspiring information
I worked as a physician for a group of companies (REmploy) in UK funded by the government.It was quite an interesting job to help the disabled employees. I am sure these sort of things can be done in Bharat. Instead of spending money for vote-bank i.e., quota system ( to divide Hindu community ), minorities, Govt. should spend money for deserving candidates irrespective of castes or religion ( goes in the name of minority communities )