In 2023, the PwD Entrepreneurship and Leadership team of the Deal Foundation embarked on a mission to identify 3,000 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and 4,000 women members across the Gadag district. Through this initiative, the foundation observed significant challenges faced by these groups. People with disabilities often lack access to quality education, job opportunities, and are confined to their homes. However, with the right opportunities and guidance, they can excel and demonstrate their abilities.
To support this effort, the Deal Foundation’s Lovely Wood officers work across all taluks, assisting individuals with disabilities and women from rural and urban areas, particularly those below the poverty line, in achieving self-reliance. The foundation identifies people in need, provides job training, and encourages participation in self-employment opportunities. As a result, differently-abled individuals are finding meaningful employment in various taluks. One inspiring story is that of Mushyavva Pujara.
Mushyavva Pujara’s Journey
Mushyavva Pujara, a determined individual from Dambala village, Mundaragi taluk, was born to Birappa and Devakka, who cherished her as their beloved daughter. Although she was healthy at birth, she contracted polio at the age of five, affecting her ability to walk. Mushyavva learned to walk with the aid of a stick, but she never let this challenge deter her passion for education. With her family’s unwavering support, she pursued her studies, completing PUC, ITI, and additional computer training.
From Education to Empowerment
Mushyavva decided that she would not let her disability define her future. She joined an organization in Lakshmeshwar that works with disabled individuals, providing information about government facilities and collecting data to raise awareness. After working there for eight months, Mushyavva faced a turning point when her parents passed away, prompting her to move in with her elder brother. Despite her circumstances and the pain in her leg, she pursued tailoring training and began sewing clothes from home to support herself.
As word spread, neighbors started bringing clothes for stitching, helping her improve her financial situation.
Formation of the Shri Mayamma Devi Disability Joint Liability Group
During a survey in Dambala, Uma Chil Gowder, the program manager of the Deal Foundation, and Shivakumar Shirol, the training coordinator, visited Mushyavva’s home to discuss the foundation’s initiatives and the benefits of forming self-help groups (SHGs). Inspired by their guidance, Mushyavva, along with seven others from her neighborhood, formed the Shri Mayamma Devi Disability Joint Liability Group in 2019. They opened an account with KVG Bank and committed to saving 25 rupees weekly.
Training and Economic Growth
Uma Chil Gowder provided the group with crucial training in bookkeeping, financial leadership, and job skills like saffron cultivation and candle-making. With the newfound skills, the group applied for a bank loan to support their ventures. After reviewing their records, the bank sanctioned a loan, and Mushyavva received 50,000 rupees, which she used to start sheep and goat farming. This new venture significantly benefited her family, and she repaid the loan in full.
Continued Success and Contributions to the Safe Cooperative Society
In addition to her involvement in the joint liability group, Mushyavva became a member of the Safe Cooperative Society for Disabled Persons, established by the Deal Foundation. She contributed her share to the cooperative and secured a 10,000 rupee loan after six months to further expand her sheep and goat farming. For the past four years, Mushyavva has served as a role model for her community and a representative of the cooperative society, actively participating in monthly board meetings and collaborating with the Deal Foundation to inspire others.
Becoming a Role Model for the Differently-Abled
Mushyavva’s determination and resilience have made her a symbol of hope and empowerment for many individuals with disabilities. She acknowledges the Deal Foundation’s impact, stating, “Uma Chil Gowder and Shivakumar Shirol helped us form an association and provided training in job skills, disability rights, and government support. The Deal Foundation’s cooperative society has offered us opportunities for economic growth and recognition.”
The Ongoing Work of the Deal Foundation
Since its inception, the Deal Foundation has assisted countless individuals with disabilities in achieving financial stability. The foundation’s work across every taluk has led to economic growth for many differently-abled individuals, who have become role models within their communities. The continued support from the foundation gives hope to people with disabilities, ensuring that they can prove their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
For more information or to inquire about the Deal Foundation’s programs, please contact info@deal-foundation.com or visit www.deal-foundation.com.