Due to the lack of representation, persons with disabilities (PWDs) are often unaware of their rights, benefits, and available information from society.
It is essential to raise awareness among PWDs about the schemes designed to help them overcome these disadvantages and barriers, as well as the procedures for accessing these benefits. The Deal Foundation is actively addressing this issue by creating awareness and forming self-help groups for persons with disabilities. Through providing information and empowering these individuals, the foundation is helping them become stronger and more informed about the opportunities available to them.
Karim Basha Makandara is one such individual with a mental disability. He originally hails from Muktampura village in Mundaragi taluk. His father is Syed Abdul Razak, and his mother is Ashabhi. Karim Basha is the youngest son in a large family, which includes seven sons and three daughters. He was born with a physical disability. Karim Basha attended school until the third grade, but due to his family’s economic situation, he had to stop his education and work as a laborer at home with his parents. This was because their financial condition required them to focus on basic survival, working hard just to make ends meet.
Karim Basha spent his entire childhood in Shirahatti taluk, as his parents were originally from there. They lived as laborers and farm workers, struggling to make ends meet. Over time, all of Karim Basha’s brothers got married, and so did he. After his marriage, although his brothers were living separately, Karim Basha continued to support his family, along with his parents. However, after a few years, both of his parents passed away, and this created a significant financial strain on his life. Despite the hardships, Karim Basha endured everything, continuing to work as a laborer to support his family. His mental challenges did not stop him from taking on the responsibility of providing for his loved ones.
Later, Karim Basha had six daughters and five sons. Despite living in poverty, his family remained happy. Even in difficult circumstances, Karim Basha managed to get his children married. However, after his children got married, they turned their backs on him. They abandoned him and went on to live their own lives, focused on their own interests. Despite this, Karim Basha was determined to live his life without losing hope, no matter how difficult it became. He resolved to keep moving forward, but he realized he needed financial support to live a better life. As a result, he continued working as a wage laborer, hoping for someone to provide the backbone of support he needed.
One day, Renuka Kallalli, the Livelihood Officer from Mundaragi taluk of the Deal Foundation, visited Muktampura village. She went door to door, surveying persons with disabilities and informing them about the foundation and the facilities available to people with disabilities. Inspired by this, several individuals with disabilities came forward to form a self-help association. Renuka gathered 10 disabled individuals from the village and helped them form the association. Karim Basha was one of the members. Later, the association was named “Maruteshwar Vikalachetana Self-Help Society” and opened an account at KVG Bank. All the members decided to contribute ₹100 per month towards their savings.
Later, Renuka provided additional information to the association about Book Rating Training, Leadership Training, 2016 Disability Awareness Training, and employment opportunities offered by the Deal Foundation. Interested members decided to pursue job opportunities. After six months, they decided to apply for a bank loan. In addition, Renuka helped establish a Safe Disabled Cooperative Society in Mevundi, Mundaragi Taluk, with the aim of providing more benefits to persons with disabilities through the Deal Foundation. In this cooperative society, members with disabilities who become shareholders would have access to loans at low interest rates. As a result, the members of Maruteshwar Sangh also became members of the cooperative society. Accordingly, Karim Basha, as a shareholder, took his first loan of ₹10,000 and used it to start his own small business in the nut business.
As time passed, Karim Basha’s business began to improve. He used to pay off his loan diligently, without leaving any balance. Encouraged by his progress, he took a second loan of ₹50,000 to expand his business. With this loan, he set up a small shop and started selling nuts. As a result, Karim Basha’s financial life began to improve. He continued to manage his business well, paying off his loans on time, without any outstanding balance.
Karim Basha shared his thoughts about the Deal Foundation, expressing his gratitude for all the support he received. He said, “The formation of this association has been very convenient for us, and we have gained valuable information. For those of us interested in employment, our association has helped us continue financially. After all my children left, the Deal Foundation has taken me under its wing, like a parent. This organization has helped me progress in my career and recognize my potential. “He continued, “Renuka has been a great help, providing us with information about the facilities available from many departments. On behalf of myself and all the members of our association, I would like to thank the Deal Foundation and Renuka for all this cooperation. We ask for continued support and more cooperation in the future.”
In this way, the Deal Foundation has identified many persons with disabilities and empowered them by providing employment opportunities. They offer support and encouragement, like fathers and mothers, helping people rebuild their lives. Individuals with disabilities hope that the Deal Foundation will continue to grow and reach even greater heights.
For any specific queries or assistance regarding this blog, please contact info@deal-foundation.com or visit www.deal-foundation.com to learn more about the work we do.
Thank you.