Disability is not a Burden

Gyani Ram despite physical limitation covers 2 schools and 5 -6 villages in the radius of 2-3 kilometers every day. He also sits 2 days in a market place to sell the goods for his livelihood

“Disability is not a Burden but rather gives an easy platform to excel in the public sector”, says enthusiastic Gyani Ram from Guridih village of Guridih Panchayat, Angara Block, Ranchi District, Jharkhand-India.

Gyani Ram lost his right leg in a road accident. Before the accident, he had 12 to 15 buffalos to sustain his family by selling milk but now he had to sell all the livestock as there was no one to look after them.

Being a Person living with Disability (PLWD), he did not get much support from the block department except the disability certificate and a tricycle for his mobility.  After losing his right leg, it was very difficult for him to look after his only son and wife. There was no scope for livelihood due to disability and lack of motivation. Though his wife used to sell cooked local foods to the families and managed to sustain their life.

His village was selected by Caritas India for the intervention of Gram Nirman programme. The programme staff met Gyani Ram in the village and interacted with him. Several motivational meetings and exposure visits were organized by the partner for all PLWDs. He was guided and motivated by the Gram Nirman team for a better livelihood option.

Having witnessed the success of other PLWDs during exposure, he got motivated and determined to start a petty business. As per guidance of Gram Nirman team, he started a petty business in larger scale. Disability no longer became an obstacle to his success. He put a prosthetic leg and in tri-cycle started visiting village to village and school to school to sell the eatable items. Presently his weekly average income is Rs/- 3500 to 4000 per month. With this income, he is now looking after his family.

“I am very grateful and thankful to the Gram Nirman team especially Charles Baboo (Coordinator – Gram Nirman) for giving me the opportunity to be part of the meeting and exposure visit support me to explore better livelihood opportunity”, expresses Mr. Gyani Ram.