Many parents are disheartened when they have children, physically or mentally challenged. They need extra care, no doubt, but every person can contribute their bit to the society if their energies are directed towards a particular goal.
Harshad Pajwe, 27 years old person with downs syndrome was admitted at Swami Brahmanand Pratishthan, Center for PWID at Belapur in 2005. The main aim at this special school is make the person independent and the training is given accordingly, as per their ability. It gives great joy to their teachers and family when their students show success, however small/big it may be, at least they try..and if they have somebody who have faith in them, then they can cross many hurdles. Harshad has started his journey as vegetables vendor with the support of his family members. His shop address is Harshad Traders near Vidya Prasarak high school, shahabaz gaon sec 19 Belapur, NaviMumbai
His brother Dattaray was working in AGS PVT. LTD. His profile was ATM re-consolidation. Due to Covid infection, he suffered health problems therefore he quit his job, and started his own auto rickshaw service. His sister-in-law sells organic sanitary pads. His mother is housewife.
The family has got together and has opened a shop that will sell onions, potatoes, garlic, coconut and dry coconut, while his SIL will continue her own business from the same venue.. The products are kept outside the shop for easy display for passerby.
Harshad has severe disability, limited speech and poor money concept, so what can he do??? "He is severe but independent in personal skills. quiet, sincere and a good worker, he can work under supervision. Once learnt he can do simple task." Says Shirish Poojari, the founder of the institution. Family is happy that they have found a suitable job for him to keep busy. Instead of concentrating on what he cannot do, it is better to concentrate on what he can do. "He can help open and close the shop, clean the store. He can fill the baskets with onions and other things. He is able to do money transactions but under supervision. He can assist very well." Says Sukanya Venkataraman, Principal of SBP. As a matter of fact, the family has no experience in selling vegetables but they found this an apt business for Harshad who will come and sit at store with his mother and SIL, he may not have much speech but he understands the given instructions while at the vocational unit at school, he took part in many vocational activities such as painting diyas during Diwali season, making paper bags, he is good at drawing and coloring. "He follows instructions very well. Once he perfects a skill, he carries it out to the T. The only problem is that he is slow in his work." Says Sunt Marwah, his class teacher. And now , as a proud owner of his vegetable shop, he will learn to manage it since his family has full faith in him. His life is set.
