My name is Priyanka Chausali, and I am a BA student. and I have also completed my Spoken English course from  Aakarshan Skill Development Centre, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand. I always wanted to support my father economically, so I started giving tuition classes at home, and now I'm enrolled in a Computer course for learning computer skills. I had a fantastic six-month experience here. The spoken English skills and concepts I learned in the classroom have been extremely helpful in everyday life. It was a wonderful experience with an excellent environment for us to overcome our fears and achieve our goals. It gives me great pleasure to proudly declare that I am a part of the Spark Minda Foundation.

Priyanka ChausaliSpoken English

I am Priyanka Awale. I reside in Koliye village. I was born and bought up in a rural location. Currently, I am studying BCA from HRM College but because I have done my schooling in Marathi Medium, it was really tough for me to communicate in English with other people. I wanted to learn to speak in English. Therefore, I started searching for English coaching classes but I could not join there due to financial problems as they were not in my budget, I got to know about the Aakarshan Skill Development Centre through mobilization which was conducted in my college. I enrolled in Spoken English course. Through this course I become confident and learned how to speak in English. and I feel that my communication has improved I can well express myself in a public forum confidently. Thank you Spark Minda Foundation for making me believe in myself.

Priyanka AwaleSpoken English

I am Neha Vishwas from Rudrapur City. I live in Jagatpura with my family and I am pursuing my graduation. Growing up I always wanted to learn computers and was looking for options.   I did my research and realized there weren't many affordable options for a college student. Then I came across Aakarshan Skill Development Centre.  I joined the Basic course and was excited to participate in all the extracurricular activities that were being organized at the centre. This has helped me to gain confidence and  I have made a few friends.  Now, I use my computer skills for my college projects. I would like to appreciate Spark Minda, for providing such a great opportunity to the community.

Neha VishwasBasic Computer

I am Urmila Patwal from Rudrapur. After completing 12th grade, I made the decision to learn computers and searched for nearby institutes. I enrolled in the Basic Computer and Spoken English course at Aakarshan Skill Development Centre. I am grateful to the Spark Minda Foundation for providing this opportunity to individuals at a low cost. The education provided is not only affordable but also of high quality. I have enjoyed participating in extracurricular activities, which have helped me build my confidence.

Urmila PatwalBasic Computer

My name is Dayadevi. I live in Bhondsi. Unfortunately, my husband passed away in an accident, and I am currently staying with my children. The economic condition of our house was not good, but by chance, I came across the Spark Minda Foundation. Mr. Harsh encountered us on the way and informed us about a sewing course that would not only provide employment opportunities but also offer financial support. Intrigued, I enrolled in Spark Minda Foundation. I successfully completed a 1.5-month course there, and now I am employed at JKM Company. I am extremely content as I am able to sustain my household expenses and provide for my children. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Spark Mind Foundation for empowering me.

DayadeviIndustrial Tailoring Programme

I am Bhavnish. I had told my friend that I needed to get a job and in order to do that, I had to learn computer skills and  speak in English. He informed me about Spark Mind Foundation and suggested that I should take admission there to learn computer skills and English as they train the youth in these courses as well. Following his advice, I enrolled in Spark Mind Foundation. Upon completing the course, Spark Mind Foundation also assisted me in finding a job. The proficiency I gained in computer skills and in spoken English has significantly enhanced my abilities and confidence. Currently, I am working as a supervisor at Sigma Corporation.

BhavnishSpoken English

My name is Neeta Lohani ,  and my hometown is Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. I am an MA graduate. There are 4 members in my family, including me. A few years ago, my family relocated to Rudrapur due to my husband's job. He was the sole breadwinner, which meant we could only fulfill our basic needs. I wanted my children to study in a well-established school. Later on, I heard about the Beauty Wellness course at Aakarshan Skill Development Centre and enrolled myself. I completed the beauty wellness course with passion and a clear mindset to become an entrepreneur. As my course period was coming to an end, I opened a parlour in my locality, which has greatly helped me in earning and supporting my family's financial condition.

Neeta LohaniBeauty Culture and Wellness

My name is Radha. I wanted to acquire the ability to sew designer clothing.  My relative informed me about the Aakarshan Skill Development Course where I applied for the advanced cutting and tailoring class. I already had some basic sewing skills before joining. Now, I earn a good amount of money by stitching clothes for orders I receive from women. I contribute this money to cover my household expense.  I want to express my gratitude to the Spark Minda Foundation for providing me with training and helping me become financially independent.

RadhaCutting and Tailoring

My name is Neelam Chaudhary. I used to be a housewife, but I always had a desire to become financially independent. However, I struggled to find an opportunity due to lack of skills and confidence. One day, a friend of mine told me about the Spark Minda Foundation. I took admission in their basic computer course, and upon completing it, I not only secured a placement through the Spark Minda Foundation but also gained confidence Now, I am able to provide financial support to my family as well.

Neelam ChaudharyBasic Computer

Meet Suman, a determined individual whose journey from homemaker to successful entrepreneur exemplifies the transformative power of vocational training programmes. Originally from Etawah, but now residing in Noida, Suman's path to success began when she enrolled in the Beauty and Wellness Course of Aakarshan Skill Development Programme of Spark Minda Foundation. Before joining the course, she devoted herself to homemaking and caring for her family. However, inspired by a friend who received training in the same course from the same programme and started her own beauty salon, Suman saw an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Motivated by her friend's achievement, Suman decided to pursue the Beauty and Wellness Course with a firm determination to carve her own path to entrepreneurship. Upon completing the course, Suman wasted no time in turning her dreams into reality. She opened "Mahi Beauty Parlour" in Noida, leveraging her newly acquired skills and knowledge to build a thriving business. The salon not only provides Suman with a steady income but also fills her with a sense of independence and pride in her accomplishments.

Suman

Omkar Singh is the bravest youngster from Bulandshahr. He was working as a staff in a hospital for 4 years and was taking care of his family. He is 24 years old and wanted to pursue de pharm and work in the medical field. His family includes his father, mother, two younger brothers, and two younger sisters. Although his father works as a day laborer, Omkar was the one who was responsible for supporting the entire family and his sibling’s educational expenses. One day, he met with a road accident and his condition was so critical that the surgeons had to amputate his hand. His family was unable to take the expenses of his treatment so they discontinued his medical care. When he heard about Saksham that this center works in healthcare so he wanted to visit there once. He received an artificial limb from the Saksham center and he is more than happy now to restart his life again. He plans to enroll in the de pharm course, and his dream is to own a medical store in the future.

Omkar Singh

Mansur Khan, was a mechanic and the sole provider for his family, met with a tragic accident which resulted in loss of his left leg. Overnight, he was pushed into a life of uncertainty and was unable to support his family as he once did. Surrounded by the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged when he was introduced to Saksham- Empowerment of People with Disabilities center by the hospital staff. He took a leap of faith and went to the center for assistance. He learned that, Spark Minda Foundation (SMF), through Saksham programme, strives to provide comprehensive support to People with Disabilities, encompassing Assistive Aids and Devices, support in Disability Certification, Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship.

The aim is to foster the holistic development of PwDs. It was here that he received his first prosthetic leg which instilled a feeling and sense of newfound possibilities and determination. Mansur refused to let his disability define him. Embracing his prosthetic limb, he embarked on a new journey, one fueled with resilience and a commitment to provide for his family. He now drives an auto-rickshaw in Pune. Through the intervention of Saksham, Mansur’s life took a remarkable turn. No longer confined by his physical limitations, he reclaimed his livelihood and more importantly, his sense of dignity and self-worth.

Mansur Khan

Shabir Ahmad, a 30-year-old from the town of Gurez in the Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir loves driving. Imagine being unable to do your most loved activity. Unfortunately, Shabir had to live through it. Driving was not only his most loved activity but also his source of income. In December of 2021, he was diagnosed with a blockage in his nerve due to which the doctor had advised him an amputation. As there was no alternative, Shabir underwent the surgery and was rendered helpless. Bandipora falls in the interior parts of the state and they had little to no accessibility to initiate the rehabilitation process. Shabir is married and has four children, being the sole earner in the family, survival was now a question for him and his family. The past eight months have been really difficult for the family to deal with. Shabir, for the first time in his life, had to be dependent on his brother for the daily needs of his family. He was made aware of the camp which was to be organized at Zangli, Kupwara through the Indian Army. This camp was his ray of hope and he instantly agreed to attend the same, although Gurez is approximately 130 km from the location. In the camp, Shabir was fitted with a prosthetic limb that would aid him in driving. Post his fitment on the day, he drove his car in the vicinity and was happy with his decision to visit the camp.

Sabir Ahmad

The loss of sight does not impair the qualities of the mind and heart. Sharad is a 32-year-old man who lives in Bhosari Pune, Maharashtra. Sharad has been visually impaired since his childhood. He completed his education till class 10th. He started working in Spark Minda on 7th November 2022, he got to know about this company through his friend Raju who also works in Spark Minda. His work is brushing in the DCD department, before Spark Minda, he was working in Jaishri Polymark in the packaging department. After joining this company, he feels that he is financially independent and also gets respect in society. He loves to play cricket for visually impaired teams and also represents Maharashtra in cricket. Making his son’s life better is the only motivation for him. According to him, the company has a very disabled-friendly environment and people here are very supportive and helpful. Sharad is an example of how one can fully live their life with love and joy, his disability cannot stop him to dream and do wonders in his life.

Sharad Jagtap

Prem Anil Vavle, a 14 years male from Parbhani, a very promising teenager underwent an accident, in which he lost his left limb from below knee level. After that, he faced so many challenges, it was very difficult for him to attend school, participate in sports activities, etc. These hurdles lowered his morale, so he visited our Saksham center and got his first below-knee prosthesis, his adaptation to the gait pattern was so quick and appreciable. His acceptance rate of prosthesis really boost his morale so high as he went to his home by walking independently and with a face with million dollar smile.

Prem Anil Vavle

Jishwant is an 11 years old, brave child from New Delhi studying in 5th standard. There are 5 members in his family. Since he is the eldest son, he has the mindset to economically sustain his whole family in the coming future. His dream is to become a police officer in the future and is trying his best to achieve that dream. Jishwant is a sincere child who never misses his classes and tuition. He loves to play games in his free time. His father is working as a mason in construction work. Due to their economic condition, his family is unable to pay the treatment cost. They got to know about this camp through their neighbors and visited the camp. Initially, he was very nervous, scared, and hesitant to come because of the fear of pain. However, his family and team SMF motivated him and got the caliper fitted on his legs. Then his nervousness changed to happiness when he realized that the calipers are helping him walk easily. He is closer to his dream of becoming a police officer. Through this initiative, his willpower has also increased and now he’s going to be more dedicated to his career. His positive attitude towards his life will make him stronger. He is grateful to the team and the Saksham camp for providing such a great opportunity to him.

Jishwant

Mohammed Danish Khan is an absolute gem of a child of 3 years from Delhi. He is the most adorable kid who always wanted to play with his friends. When he was just two years old, he started having fits. He used to stutter when he spoke, and over time his left leg began to twist, making it difficult for him to walk straight. He likes to go to playschool and he has an elder brother who is studying in 3rd class. His father is a bike technician and his mother is a homemaker. They are struggling to pay for his treatment. He likes to talk with his grandparents as they are also staying with his family. His parents want him to take part in many activities in the playschool so that he can cherish every moment of his childhood.  Currently, Danish treatment is now being provided by PGI Hospital and one of the staff from the hospital informed them about the Saksham center and they decided to consult his child here for better amenities. He received an ankle-foot orthosis and Danish is so thrilled that he can now enjoy it with his friends as he is believing that he can walk properly now.

Mohammed Danish Khan

I am Bhavik. I am five years old and am from Delhi. I am an innocent child who likes to play and watch cartoons. During my birth, due to the complications faced by my mother, I lost sensation in my legs. My parents are facing issues and are struggling to pay for my treatment. I am admitted to a play school to enjoy myself with other friends of my age. They have always wanted me to be happy and enjoy my life.

My father is a rickshaw driver and once he was passing through the road, he saw the Saksham- Camp for Empowerment of People with Disabilities banner. He made up his mind at that time that he wanted to take me to the camp so that I could get support from the SMF team.

After getting consulted by the doctors of SMF, I was provided with calipers and was so excited throughout the process of fitting the Caliper. My parents also got emotional by seeing these unique glimpses of me and knowing that I am capable of walking. They expressed their gratitude towards this camp for empowering People with Disabilities.

BhavikThe miracle child

Meet Vaibhav Wagh, a determined individual from Sinnar, rural Maharashtra, whose story is a testament of perseverance and determination. Despite facing doubt from those around him due to his locomotive impairment, Vaibhav remained steadfast in his goals. He pursued his passion for engineering against all odds, completed his degree and ventured into entrepreneurship.

Today, Vaibhav's successful manufacturing startup not only defies societal expectations but also inspires others to overcome obstacles and chase their dreams. Vaibhav stands as a beacon of inspiration, not only for overcoming societal barriers but also for thriving in the world of business. His startup, exemplifies the boundless possibilities that await those who refuse to be defined by their circumstances. His story serves as a powerful reminder that with courage and resilience, one can achieve anything they set their mind to.

Vaibhav Wagh

Hi, I am Shubham Kumar. I am a passionate and incredibly talented youngster from Delhi. I am pursuing my under graduation in B.Com from Delhi university. I am blessed with a wonderful family who supports me in every step of my life. My father has a private job and is trying his best to provide everything possible for me. I am a hard-working person and am preparing for the UPSC exam this year. Moreover, I am truly dedicated to my dreams and ready to tackle any challenges that come my way. I got an opportunity to participate in the global IT challenge organized in Indonesia and that was the stepping stone in my life as I achieved a gold medal for our country and a certificate from the Indian government. I was perfectly fine in my childhood days but in 2008, I got into an accident and suffered from an electric shock. I lost my both hands and legs. However, I did not lose hope and decided to fly higher.

When my neighbour and employee of Spark Minda informed me about the camp, I decided to attend to get the facility as well as support. I was provided with a wheelchair and eye health care check-up. I am very happy that PwDs are getting this kind of facility free of cost and also want this type of camp to be organized every upcoming year. I promise the SMF team that I am going to continue with my further studies and will crack UPSC in the coming year.

Shubham KumarA man with hidden wings

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Spark Minda Foundation for their remarkable support. During my time in Rohtak prison, their sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators made a significant difference, providing ease and comfort. When I learned about my transfer back to Faridabad prison, I was concerned as these facilities were previously unavailable. However, finding them now present here has been an incredible surprise and a source of relief. Thank you, Spark Minda Foundation, for your assistance and care

A female inmate beneficiary from Faridabad Prison

I am a female warden from Gurugram Prison, and I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Spark Minda Foundation for their support. The Sanitary Napkin Vending Machines they have provided have not only taken care of the menstrual hygiene of female prisoners and fellow wardens but have also proven to be incredibly user-friendly, even for those who are illiterate. These machines have truly made a positive difference in our lives, ensuring comfort and convenience. Thank you, Spark Minda Foundation, for your thoughtful and impactful contribution

A female warden from Gurugram PrisonOrganization

We’ll always remain obliged to the Foundation for their initiative to install sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators inside the prison. We have witnessed so many days where the lack of availability of sanitary pads inside the prison have forced us to use our clothes instead, during our periods. Now sanitary napkins are always available inside the prison, even in the oddest hour when one feels the need of using it. Thanks to you for that.

A female inmate beneficiary from Karnal Prison.

A very good and a much-needed initiative by the Foundation for the younger and middle-aged female population here in the prison. Earlier it had been painful and pitiful at the same time to see women following dangerous ways to keep themselves from staining during their menstrual cycle. But now by introducing sanitary pads in their lives, these women have turned towards safer practices. I am aged so I don’t use these things, but when I’ll be out from the prison, I’ll encourage all the women and small girls in my house and in my neighborhood to start using it.

A female inmate beneficiary from Jhajjar Prison.