Discovering Abilities in Disabilities

As a Child, Biru Sardar was subjected to different types of discrimination due to his disability. He lost his right leg due to polio. Hailing from the very poor family from Surabera village of Jharkhand, he somehow completed his education till class six but he was always dependent on his parents.

He got married in 2012 but his small agriculture land could not secure the food for his wife and two children for more than 3-4 months. Therefore, he engaged himself as a Shepherd to feed his family.

Sustainable Development Goals which aims for ‘Leaving no one behind’ seek to reach the most vulnerable. ‘Persons with disabilities’ or ‘disability’ are specifically mentioned eleven times and ‘Persons in vulnerable situations’ are specifically mentioned six times in the 2030 agenda.

Gram Nirman, a Village Development Programme in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh is addressing this critical concern of this most vulnerable section of the community. The programme offers to support the tribal communities for functional institutions towards achieving socio-economic wellbeing through socially and politically dynamic participation in decision making bodies (Gram Sabhas) and being sensitized to the needs of the most vulnerable community members. The overall impact of the program will enhance households better by strengthening the physical, social and economic wellbeing.

Gram Nirman team interacted and motivated him to realize his potential. He started attending meetings organized by partner and developed confidence and the courage to tackle obstacles. His regular attendance in meeting and training for one year became the basis for his life.

In the year 2016, under livelihood promotion activity, the programme team consulted Gram Sabha for identification of potential People with Disabilities. The SHGs named ‘Adivasi Mahila Vikas Samity’ in Surabera village proposed Biru ’s name through Gram Sabha.  He received support from programme and started his own cycle repairing shop which was a distant dream.

“I am successfully running my cycle repairing centre which becomes a source for my sustainable income”, says Biru. Today, his monthly average income is between Rs. 12,000 – 15,000. He also has bank savings and leads a healthy life with 3 meal a day with his family with.

His dreams to build a good living house for the family. He expresses his gratitude to Caritas Australia, Caritas India and Catholic Charities Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) for helping him to discover his abilities.