Greetings to everyone. I am speaking from Navsari, Gujarat, and I would like to thank the volunteers and team members of Hamari Vaani. Although I am not very active on the platform, I would like to share another livelihood experience that may benefit many visually impaired people. After starting my toy business, I began setting up stalls in local markets and vegetable markets. Since I am visually impaired and cannot see if someone touches or picks up an item from my stall, I found a practical solution by installing a Bluetooth alarm device. Whenever someone touches the merchandise, the device produces a sound, helping me stay aware of activity around my stall. Such devices are available in many stores and can be useful for visually impaired vendors. I also prepared a signboard with a message that translates roughly as: “Blind persons do not need charity; they need your support.” I encourage people to buy products from visually impaired entrepreneurs so that they can earn a dignified livelihood. Even if someone does not wish to purchase an item, I keep a weighing machine and charge a small fee for checking weight, creating another source of income. Earlier, I also operated an STD/telephone booth business. However, as mobile phones became common, that business gradually declined. I had taken a loan from a bank and still had part of it left to repay. During that difficult period, I felt discouraged, but I did not give up. My teachers, mentors, and well-wishers guided me and encouraged me to explore other opportunities. They advised me to sell files and office materials through institutions and organizations. Although I faced many challenges and setbacks in the beginning, I continued trying and learning. My message to fellow visually impaired individuals is simple: do not lose hope when one source of income closes. Keep exploring new opportunities, seek guidance from experienced people, and be willing to adapt. Persistence, creativity, and self-confidence can help create a sustainable livelihood even in difficult circumstances.
