Pankh - wings of Destiny, Help Persons with Disabilities Live A Life Of Dignity And Become Financial Independent

In India there are ~2.7 Cr PwDs in India, and the heart-wrenching truth is that their employability is less than 1%. This problem stems from various reasons, 2 of them being:

1. Lack of access to skilling/training
2. Lack of employment opportunities in local areas – 69% of PwDs reside in rural areas. Migration is not a  choice. Accessibility issues hinder it further .
3. Ignorance & mindset of family, communities & organizations hinders creating livelihoods as they don’t consider them to be productive members of society.

If these problems persist the outcome can be dire. It could result in:

1. Increase in unemployment rate
2. Further isolation of communities that otherwise live in a non inclusive society 

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Pankh - Wings of Destiny is a livelihood creation program by Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN) for Persons with Disabilities. Pankh provides training and skilling in retail-specific skills and life skills, further with Pankh we provide them with employment opportunities in retail and allied sectors and help them live a life of dignity and become financially independent.

Since its inception, Pankh has created an impact on the lives of more than 22,500 Persons with Disabilities, and our dream is to impact thousands more. With Pankh we have been able to create an impact in our beneficiaries lives by providing skilling, helping them become financially independent, better themselves, develop their personalities and improve their communication skills.

Impact Story

N Lahari, a 21-year-old from Lankipalli village, Chittoor district, is a bright young girl who is visually impaired. Her father works as a carpenter, and for the longest time was the only earning member of the family.

Lahari knew how hard her father worked and wanted to ease his burden by supporting her family financially. However, the journey wasn't easy, she was rejected by a lot of firms due to her poor communication skills and knowledge. 

“I was tired of being rejected by everyone. I was scared to reach out to people for a job fearing that they would reject me. Because of this, my father started to search for a guy for my marriage and I was taken aback. I wanted to work and help him!”

We met her family, during our mobilisation drive and counseled them about the program. She worked hard to improve her skills, thereby managing to outshine her shortcomings. After completing her training, she was able to secure a job with the Aditya Birla Group.

A true hero in her very own right, her will to learn and grow ignited the new light of hope! When asked about her experience, she says: 

“After I started this job, I’m more disciplined, outgoing and my priorities have changed. I want to continue to work and provide for my family. My parents are very supportive of me, especially my mom. When I got my first salary, I gave it to her. I still remember the smile on her face, it was an amazing feeling.”

Her joy spread to her parents as well. Her father, N Surendra Naidu says: “I am so proud of my daughter. I never imagined her working and becoming independent. My wife and I are so happy with what she has accomplished.”