Specially-abled youngster from Chhattisgarh weaves Rakhi magic, people applaud effort

The specially-abled need to become independent and also part of the mainstream and this is what Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district has done on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan festival which celebrates the bond between brother and sister. Twenty young men and women with disabilities have made rakhis which are simple yet elegant and exquisite to look at.

The rakhis which are being sold from August 27 onwards are not only aesthetically pleasing but also pocket-friendly. They cost between Rs.5 and 100 have become the preferred popular choice for many in Mahasamund city. Till now they have sold more than 1,500 rakhis. Their confidence and happiness went up by several notches when Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister of the State and Prabhat Malik, District Collector of Mahasamund visited them. They were both tied rakhis made by the specially-abled.

Talking to India Narrative, Malik said: “This initiative taken by the Social Welfare Department is really praiseworthy as it definitely boosted the confidence level among these youngsters. The visit of CM to their stall provided them a further fillip.”

Praising the rakhis, Malik told India Narrative: “Their work is excellent. People visiting the stall appreciated the rakhis and bought them with great enthusiasm as they were beautiful and affordable. It helped to showcase the talent of the specially-abled and showed that their work and talent is second to none.”

These specially-abled with intellectual and physical disability belong to Asha Manovikas Kendra Gharaunda, which is under the Social Welfare Department. They have been working tirelessly at their residential shelter home for the past many weeks to make these rakhis and for this they went through a training session which was conducted by experts. The training included colour identification, intricate knotting, interweaving and thread attachment.

Apart from rakhis, they also make materials required for pooja, bangles, and candles. According to Usha Sahu, the head of Kendra, this endeavour not only generates modest income but also elevates the spirit of these divyangs, developing a belief in their own capabilities.

The Kendra through multi-faceted training and skill-building exercises like making rakhis among others, instils self-assurance and self-confidence while providing both shelter and training to these children. “We want to make them capable of earning their livelihood to enable them to live with dignity and confidence,” Malik observed.

This project for the divyangs was undertaken under the initiative Gharaunda Scheme, whose objective is to secure lifelong institutional support and services for individuals severely impacted by conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, and multiple disabilities. It is dedicated to provide a safe place of care and rehabilitation ensuring the well-being and development of these specially-abled people.