DEAL Foundation operates in every taluk for the benefit of differently-abled individuals. Accordingly, setting specific goals, all workers identify and motivate them, instilling the mindset that disability is not a limitation but a natural aspect of life. The Livelihood Officers are working towards building the confidence that anything can be achieved despite disabilities. Similarly, the DEAL Foundation has established self-employment centres for differently-abled individuals in every taluk. Those interested can engage in self-employment, and they can also sell the handicraft items they create on the Jeevan Kart website. This opportunity has been provided by the DEAL Foundation. The organization has introduced several such opportunities for differently-abled individuals. Many are utilizing these opportunities and have become self-employed, while some are still in the process of starting their self-employment journey. Through these efforts, differently-abled individuals are gaining recognition in society. One such inspiring individual is Sunanda Ganiger.
Looking at her childhood, Sunanda Ganiger hails from Benakanakoppa village in Naragund Taluk. Her father is Ramanna, and her mother is Shantavva. Sunanda has two elder brothers and two elder sisters, making her the youngest daughter in the family. The family consisted of five children in total. Until the age of five, Sunanda had no health issues and played like any other child. However, after turning five, her back gradually started to bend. Her parents were daily wage labourers. Despite their financial struggles, they took Sunanda to multiple hospitals for treatment, but no improvement was seen. According to the doctors, her spinal cord was affected due to a nerve disorder, and there was no cure for it. They advised the parents to take care of her as much as possible. This news left her parents deeply worried and anxious.
Later, Sunanda was admitted to the nearby government school in first grade. Despite their poverty, her parents wished to provide her with a good education. Sunanda herself developed a strong desire to study. Accordingly, she studied at the same school until fifth grade. However, by the time she reached sixth grade, the family’s financial situation worsened, so she was sent to a hostel in Gadag. Though it was difficult for Sunanda to stay away from her parents, she endured it due to their financial struggles and continued her education at the hostel. Meanwhile, her parents worked as labourers to support the family and also managed to arrange the marriages of their two daughters.
Thus, Sunanda stayed at the hostel and completed her PUC (Pre-University Course). However, she wanted to support her parents in some way, so she decided to discontinue her education and return to her village. Despite her disability, she had a strong desire to achieve something and provide financial support to her family. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funds, she was unable to move forward. One day, Sangeeta, a Livelihood Officer from the DEAL Foundation, visited Benakanakoppa village. She met the VRW (Village Rehabilitation Worker) and shared information about the DEAL Foundation while also gathering details about the differently-abled individuals in the village. Later, Sangeeta gathered the differently-abled individuals and informed them about the foundation’s initiatives and the importance of self-help groups. Encouraged by this, the differently-abled individuals agreed to form a self-help group. Accordingly, they brought together 10 differently-abled individuals and named the group “Shree Kutumba Vikala Chetanara Swa-Sahaya Sangha”. Sunanda also became a member of this group. Later, the group opened an account at KVG Bank and decided to save ₹100 per month. In this group, Sunanda was elected as the representative.
Later, Sangeeta provided the group with training in book writing, leadership, and disability awareness (Disability Awareness Training 2016), along with information about government-provided benefits. For Sunanda, who was interested in employment, this opportunity proved to be highly beneficial. She then decided to take a loan through the group and start self-employment. Thus, the group continues to hold monthly meetings to ensure smooth functioning without any obstacles.
Later, Sunanda decided to start a small grocery shop as a means of employment. With her family’s support, she set up a shop in front of her house. Over time, her business flourished, leading her to decide to expand it further. With the approval of all the self-help group members, she took a loan of ₹20,000 from their savings. With additional support from her family, she rented a shop in her village and expanded her business to include both a grocery store and a tea stall. Her brothers also stood by her as a strong support system, helping her succeed. Through this, Sunanda is becoming financially independent and supporting her family as well. Despite her disability, she is moving forward courageously.
Thus, after receiving training from the self-help group and the DEAL Foundation, Sunanda started her employment journey. She then shared her thoughts about the DEAL Foundation: “My family was struggling with poverty, and I had to discontinue my education despite my strong desire to achieve something. However, financial difficulties became a major obstacle. I even felt like I was becoming a burden to my family. At that time, Sangeeta from the DEAL Foundation provided information and training about the benefits available for people with disabilities. Moreover, she encouraged us to join a self-help group, where we learned about financial savings and future stability. After undergoing the employment training, I developed a strong determination to work. Eventually, my small business venture became successful. This was made possible with the support of the DEAL Foundation. The formation of the self-help group has been immensely beneficial for me—it allowed me to access loans and improve my financial situation. As a result, I have found my own identity and started living an independent life. I sincerely thank the DEAL Foundation and Sangeeta for their immense support. I hope they continue identifying and uplifting more differently-abled individuals like me”, she expressed.
Thus, the DEAL Foundation continues to identify and empower numerous differently-abled individuals, conveying the message to society that “Disability is not a barrier; people with disabilities are just like everyone else. “All differently-abled individuals wish for the DEAL Foundation’s efforts to expand further and achieve greater success. If you have any specific questions related to this blog or need any assistance, please contact info@deal-foundation.com. To learn more about our work, visit www.deal-foundation.com.
Thank you!