- We appeal to philanthropists, corporates and individuals to lend a helping hand to fulfil this humanitarian mission: Shubhash Apte, Founder Trustee
- In the beginning, the income from sales of these products was around Rs 1 lakh, which today has reached Rs 5 lakhs due to various promotional efforts made by the organization: Founder Director Nilesh Panchal
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, SEPT 8
Having launched the “Navajeevan Haat” project three years ago, the Institute for the Self-Reliance of Mentally Handicapped Persons, a vocational centre run by Navjeevan Charitable Trust is on expansion spree, announced Subhash Apte, Founder Trustee here on Thursday.
Speaking about the project, Apte said, “With an aim to help the mentally retarded persons to become self-reliant, we have started the ‘Navjeevan Haat’ project three years ago. Under this project, 35 mentally retarded persons were trained to make rakhi, pagaluchniya, cover, lamp, candle, incense burner, decovti, aarti thali, keychain, rangoli, floating lamp, wax lamp etc. Thet were divided into three groups to look after production, packing and selling with the help of the group guardian.”
“In the beginning, the income from sales of these products was around Rs 1 lakh, which today has reached Rs 5 lakhs due to various promotional efforts made by the organization. We pay adequate compensation to them from the sale proceeds. Enthused by the overwhelming response from the well-wishers and individuals, we have decided to triple the intake capacity of these mentally retarded persons from present 35 to 100. As part of this expansion plan, we are planning to move to a bigger location to house our entire setup. We appeal to philanthropists, corporates and individuals to lend a helping hand to fulfil this humanitarian mission,” added Apte.
Navjivan Charitable Trust Founder Director Nilesh Panchal said, “We will also provide the raw materials to make these products by the differently abled persons from the comfort of their homes. Further, we will help the like minded organizations to get financing from the Gujarat State Handicap Development Company (GHSFDC). The organizations will be responsible for the sale of the product made by them.”
Navjeevan Charitable Trust located at Memnagar, in the city provides education, training and rehabilitation to mentally challenged children for the last 32 years. At present more than 50 beneficiaries is taking advantage of it.
