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.
Greetings to everyone. I am speaking from Navsari district, Gujarat, and I am a 100% visually impaired person. I would like to share my livelihood experience with the community. After completing Class 12 and earning a B.Ed. degree, I explored several employment opportunities and self-employment activities. One of the first businesses I started was selling educational stationery such as pens, pencils, notebooks, erasers, scales, and files in schools. Initially, many schools were hesitant to allow me to sell these items on their premises. To overcome this challenge, I approached the District Education Officer and other education authorities, obtained the necessary support letters, and then met school principals with those documents. After receiving permission, I visited classrooms and explained to students that by purchasing stationery from me instead of a regular shop, they would be helping a visually impaired person earn a livelihood. Over time, I received excellent support from schools, teachers, and students. Many people purchased stationery from me, and some teachers even offered additional assistance. However, I always preferred that they support me by purchasing my products rather than providing direct financial help, as it allowed me to earn with dignity and self-respect. In addition to selling stationery, I am also involved in the toy business. Through these efforts, I have been able to create sustainable sources of income and support myself independently. I hope my experience encourages others to explore self-employment opportunities and build their own livelihoods through determination, creativity, and persistence.
Information about creating job opportunities and support for totally blind people.
Sanjay Kumar from Navsari, Gujarat shares a job opportunity for partially blind people (not fully blind) at Flipkart. Night shift job with pickup/drop, salary around ₹17,500, 26 working days, 4 छुट्टियाँ. Accommodation is separate. Contact: 8401908356.
Sanskar Bharti School Navsaari.
Talent Day
Disability Day Activity
Sanjay Kumar from Navsari district of Gujarat wants to know that if ration items are not being distributed properly under his control, then where can he complain?
completed BEd 2016 but has not got himself registered, needs guidance as to how does he take this forward
He gave advice on how to start your own business