About Us
Empowerment through Employment
India has a population of close to 26 Million differently-abled people.1 . Out of this, a significant number of people belong to the lower or middle income strata. The support system for people belonging to this category is minimal. Most of them are uneducated and unsupported by any private or public institution. Discrimination and exploitation is rampant. This is the reason why, many of them resort to begging as the only means to sustain life. Physically challenged people begging on the streets, or trains is a common sight in our country. While the world and India in particular, is slowly awakening to Diversity and Inclusion in public spheres and private workforce, a lot needs to be done to further mainstream differently abled people and consider them as a valuable resource, rather than a liability. If and when given a right ecosystem, that includes disability supportive infrastructure and mindset, they can be a largely contributing hand to the Indian labour force.
Supporting this belief is the thought behind the inception of Swayam Siddha. Swayam Siddha Industrial Co-operative Society for Handicapped is first of its kind in Indian Co-operative sector which tries to utilize the inborn talent and skills of disabled people and help them over-come their life challenges.
1: Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in India - A Statistical Profile: 2021
Our Story
This society was set up in 1980 by parents of disabled children under the leadership of Ms. Kalpana Joshi with an intension to help similar parents in regaining the dignity and independence of their children.
As the name Swayam Siddha signifies, the society gives the members a sense of independence and empowerment, in the form of gainful employment. It is also a forum where the members have formed a social bond with the other members, feel respected and loved in a world which otherwise is not very kind to them. Members celebrate birthdays, festivals, and other special occasions together, hence feel a part of a community.
Since inception, the society has been working towards identifying vocations that are suitable to the limited capacity of the disabled community. The society has identified and worked upon various vocations such as supply of stationery, thoran and festive décor making, laundry tag making, making hair accessories, corporate gifting, candle making and so and so forth. The funds generated from the proceeds are used to pay stipend to the members and for their developmental activities.The members are also given disability support such as wheel chairs/ hand pedaled cycles, on case per case basis.
Swayam Siddha DIRECT Empowerment Model
Governance
Mr. L. Junagare
Chairman
Mr. Bharat Rane
Secretary
Ms. Jagruti Kishor Shah
Treasurer
DGM. RCF (Retd.)
Chief Accounting Officer, NMMC (Retd.)
Social Worker, Accupuncturist & Yoga Guru
Operations & Advisory
This team oversees the operations of the centre and also advises on communication & strategy.
Centre Head, Chembur
Chitrakala Shetty
Chitra is a Swayam Siddha veteran. She is the Centre Head for Chembur centre and oversees the complete operations of the society. She is the didi to all members and gives utmost importance to their health and well-being.
Advisor
Vaidhei Pagaria
A Gold Medalist in CA, she is a well-known philanthropist and heads the Pagaria Welfare Foundation. She is a Senior advisor to Swayam Siddha Society.
Advisor
Akhila Ramganesh
Akhila holds a Bachelors degree in Engineering & Post Graduate Degree in HR Management. From young days, she has been actively involved in community services and social work. She advises Swayam Siddha in communications & Strategy
Our Well wishers
Urmila Ben, London
Mina Mukesh Shah, London
Bharti Kaushik Shah, London
Maa Krupa Foundation, London
Urvashi Rashmikant Shah, London
Mousmi Vishal Gandhi, US
