Celebrating another impactful year in empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Sarthak Educational Trust is now entering its 16th year of dedicated service in the realm of disability empowerment. Recently, the Trust introduced two groundbreaking initiatives: the AI-powered Ed-Tech platform Gyan Sarathi and the transformative Sarthak Global Resource Centre. These initiatives reflect Sarthak's unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for PwDs on a national scale.
In an exclusive conversation with TheCSRUniverse, Founder and CEO Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, the visionary leader behind Sarthak Educational Trust, delves into the organization's commitment to empowering 10 million PwDs by 2027. The journey, which began in 2008, has seen Sarthak evolve into a national force, impacting over 2 million PwDs. Dr. Aggarwal shares insights into key strategies, including the formation of the India Disability Empowerment Alliance and collaborations with 1000+ NGOs. The interview highlights Sarthak's pivotal role in challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and showcases impactful success stories like Rukhsana's.
The interview further explores Sarthak's innovative Ed-Tech platform, Gyan Sarathi, designed to reach PwDs in remote areas, and the transformative initiatives of the Sarthak Global Resource Centre. Supported by contributors like Amazon and Tata Power, these initiatives address service gaps, foster holistic development, and underline Sarthak's commitment to supporting disabled athletes. Dr. Aggarwal outlines Sarthak's global outreach plans, emphasizing networking, collaborations, and knowledge sharing for a meaningful contribution to global disability rights.
Explore Sarthak's impactful journey and visionary approach to disability empowerment in the full interview below.
Q&A
Q. What strategies is Sarthak Educational Trust employing to achieve its vision of empowering 10 million PwDs by 2027, and how are you preparing to overcome the associated challenges?
A. Sarthak envisions empowering 2 million PwDs by 2027, reaching maximum beneficiaries in every nook and cranny of the country. This cannot be achieved alone, hence, Sarthak formed a consortium – India Disability Empowerment Alliance (IDEA of Civil Society Organizations in) 2019, working in the Disability sector from across India. This group was formed to not just reach maximum PwDs by creating a platform for experience and knowledge sharing, but it is building the process by which any organization retains and improves the skills and knowledge crucial to accomplishing a set of strategic objectives - which are most often to build a scalable and sustainable plan for the beneficiaries. Sarthak aims to connect to 1000+ NGOs by 2027, working in the disability sector, big or small so that each and every PwD can leverage the platform in the most useful way. This way, all organizations, irrespective of their size can share mutual ideas and together benefit the PwDs.
Q. How is Sarthak Educational Trust actively challenging societal stereotypes and fostering inclusivity to empower Persons with Disabilities? What are the various social interventions that the Trust is implementing to break down barriers and promote inclusivity?
A. In contemporary society, individuals with disabilities encounter multifaceted challenges, often exacerbated by societal attitudes and barriers. One notable issue revolves around parents' hesitation to disclose their child's disability due to prevailing stigmas. This reluctance to openly acknowledge disabilities perpetuates negative perceptions within communities, leading to limited opportunities and societal acceptance.
To address these challenges, organizations such as Sarthak and NAAI have taken proactive measures to dismantle these barriers. Sarthak, known for its inclusive training programs, has been instrumental in empowering individuals with disabilities by providing them with skills.
A testament to the transformative impact of such initiatives is the story of Rukhsana, a determined individual from Jammu and Kashmir. Rukhsana's journey began when she joined Sarthak's training program, where she acquired crucial skills and gained confidence. Her dedication and perseverance enabled her to secure a position at Tech Mahindra, a leading corporation. Through her accomplishments, Rukhsana shattered societal barriers, defying stereotypes, and emerged as an inspirational figure, especially for women striving to overcome similar challenges.
Rukhsana's success not only highlights the effectiveness of initiatives like Sarthak but also underscores the potential of individuals with disabilities when given equal opportunities. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to break barriers, pursue their aspirations, and contribute meaningfully to the workforce and society.
In essence, while societal barriers persist for individuals with disabilities, the endeavors of organizations like Sarthak and NAAI, coupled with remarkable individuals like Rukhsana, demonstrate that with the right support and opportunities, these barriers can be overcome, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Q. Could you provide insights into the curriculum structure of Gyan Sarathi, the Ed-Tech platform, and its adaptability to reach individuals in remote areas with limited internet access?
A. This temple of education and skilling will benefit all and will reach the farthest rural places of the country. In 2008, when Sarthak was started over 100 round table conferences were conducted in all the regions of the country and helped create 100 job opportunities. In 2014, we decided to take a more holistic approach to help with the complete life cycle of divyangjan right from Early Intervention to Skilling to Job opportunities to retirement. Today we are at 2000 corporate partners including global powerhouses like Amazon who are an integral part of the life of PwD. We launched apps and portals like Rozgarsarathi, Gyansarathi and Capsarathi which focus on educating and hiring of PwD’s. Sarthak has also started Global Resource Centre for Divyangjans, which is equipped to offer globally useful courses and other useful services in the disability sector. Sarthak is creating a talent pool of skilled and educated divyangjan workforce which is self-reliant and committed to making themselves and our country a better place for future generations.
Q. With the launch of the Sarthak Global Resource Centre (GRC), what specific services, resources, or training programs are being offered to address gaps hindering the progress of PwDs, and how do these contribute to holistic development?
A. GRC is the brainchild of the Sarthak Educational Trust, a trailblazing organization with a rich history of fostering disability inclusion since 2008. Sarthak's expertise in Health, Education, Skill Building, Employment, and Advocacy for PwDs lays the foundation for GRC's impact.
This centre will serve as a hub for education and skilling of PwDs and will play a pivotal role in enhancing their lives. PwDs constitute over 5% of the total country’s population and there is a need to reach out to them to give them relevant opportunities to work and earn self-respect by training or learning skills to earn a livelihood. Sarthak is one of the pioneer NGO that got listed on the Social Stock Exchange of the NSE to garner investment. The NGO is looking to attract investment from Foundations and HNIs inclined towards social impact causes.
Q. How do the facilities at the Sarthak Global Resource Centre, such as Vision in Dark and the Ability Museum, align with Sarthak's broader mission of fostering inclusivity and empowerment?
A. Vision in the Dark -
It is an experiential exhibition where participants are guided through activities in complete darkness, simulating the daily experiences of blind or visually impaired individuals.
It promotes empathy and understanding by temporarily placing sighted individuals in the shoes of those with visual impairments. It breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of inclusivity by highlighting the capabilities of persons with visual impairments.
By challenging preconceptions and showcasing the resilience and skills of visually impaired individuals, this concept empowers both participants and those leading the tours. It encourages a shift in societal perspectives towards recognizing and valuing diverse abilities.
Ability Museum -
It is a space that celebrates the abilities and achievements of people with disabilities. It serves as an educational and inspirational resource, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. It ensures accessibility for all visitors, including those with disabilities. Through its exhibits, both highlight the contributions and stories of individuals with various abilities, fostering a sense of inclusivity by showcasing diversity.
Both help in serving following missions -
Ø Changing Perceptions - Both initiatives aim to change societal perceptions about disability. Vision in the Dark" does this by offering a unique, sensory experience that challenges stereotypes about blindness. The "Ability Museum" achieves this by presenting a positive narrative that emphasizes abilities over disabilities.
Ø Promoting Empathy - Vision in the Dark promotes empathy by providing participants with a firsthand experience of the challenges faced by those with visual impairments. The "Ability Museum" achieves this by sharing personal stories and achievements, fostering understanding and empathy for individuals with diverse abilities.
Ø Education and Awareness - Both initiatives contribute to education and awareness. Vision in the Dark educates the public about the daily lives of visually impaired individuals, while the Ability Museum educates visitors about the achievements, talents, dsaily adjustments to reduce disability challenges and resilience of people with various abilities.
Ø Inclusive Design - Both initiatives prioritize inclusivity in their design and approach. Vision in the Dark creates an inclusive experience by removing the sense of sight, and the Ability Museum ensures accessibility options for all visitors, regardless of their abilities.
Ø Community Engagement - Both initiatives engage the community by providing platforms for dialogue, understanding and celebration. They contribute to building a more inclusive society that values and respects the diverse abilities of every individual.
Q. How does Sarthak support disabled athletes and foster their competitive spirit, contributing to their overall empowerment?
A. Sarthak was handed over the reigns of National Abilympic Association of India in Dec 2016, nodal agency responsible to organize Abilympics (coined from ‘Ability’ and ‘Olympics’), vocational skill competitions specially designed for Persons with Disabilities. Through NAAI enables Youth with disability to showcase their unique talents at different levels, state, national and international, in different vocational skills under ICT, Crafts, Services, Hospitality and Industry trades.
NAAI works towards providing a supportive environment for blooming talent in the area of vocational skills. At the forefront of NAAI’s motivation is assistance to PwDs in gaining economic independence to enable them to identify themselves as valuable, fully integrated members of society.
-- Their engagement with NAAI, helps upskilling through exposure to advanced technologies in various vocational skills and ensure inclusion and provide equal opportunities to PwDs.
-- The training activities through best academicians and industry experts help increase the confidence of those competing in this ‘Movement of Excellence in Skilling’ and win laurels for themselves at state, national and international levels and become role models for others.
They are exposed to advanced trainings and latest technologies, thereby opening better avenues for employment and self-employment opportunities which ensures, financially independent lives. It further inculcates more confidence in them, builds on competitive spirit and a unique opportunity to excel in their respective fields, by participating in such unique events. The PwDs get benefitted by attaining International level skills, compete at the international level, bring laurels for themselves and the country, which is a matter of great pride.
Q. Can you elaborate on how Sarthak ensures financial stability while pursuing its noble goals, especially in the context of long-term sustainability?
A. By providing a centralized space for innovation, empowerment, and collaboration, we envision reaching even more PwDs, expanding our programs, and further strengthening our collaborations with the corporate sector. The goal is not just to empower individuals but to create a society that embraces diversity and inclusion naturally.
As we move forward, our focus remains on adaptability. The world is changing, and so are the opportunities and challenges. We want Sarthak to be a dynamic force, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the PwD community. Our dream is to see every person with a disability not just as a beneficiary of our programs but as a contributor to a more inclusive society. GRC- seeks to bridge these gaps, creating a holistic ecosystem where PwDs can thrive and contribute their talents to society. With the construction and development of the Sarthak Global Resource Center, Sarthak Educational Trust aims to create a dynamic, interactive and welcoming space that will empower PwDs, strengthen the community, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Global Research Centre (GRC) is supported and funded by Amazon Development India, HT Parekh Foundation, KUEHNE+Nagal Private Limited, Credit Suisse, Fidelity International, NIIF, Team Computers, Renew Power Pvt Ltd.
Q. In expanding the CSO partner network, how do collaborations with other organizations enhance and amplify Sarthak's impact on empowering Persons with Disabilities?
A. Sarthak in past 15 years has expanded its footprint in the country through establishing 25 centres in 20 states, leading to impact the lives of 2 million PwDs and providing direct benefits to 70,000 beneficiaries till now.
Sarthak envisions empowering 2 million PwDs by the 2027, reaching maximum beneficiaries in every nook and cranny of the country. This cannot be achieved alone, hence, Sarthak formed a consortium of Civil Society Organizations in 2016,working in the Disability sector from across India. This group was formed to not just reach maximum PWDs by creating a platform for experience and knowledge sharing, but it is building the process by which any organization retains and improves the skills and knowledge crucial to accomplishing a set of strategic objectives - which are most often to build a scalable and sustainable plan for the beneficiaries.
Sarthak aims to connect to 1000+ NGOs by 2027, working in the disability sector, big or small so that each and every PwD can leverage the platform in the most useful way. This way, all organizations, irrespective of their size can share mutual ideas and together benefit the PwDs.
Objective of IDEA is to -
· Improve the sustainability, strength and scalability of NGOs.
IDEA is like a convenor, thought leader and voice for disability NGOs working to eliminate discrimination, inequality, in-access and strengthening mainstreaming of PwDs.
• The alliance will assist in sharing of information and pooling of expertise to improve the processes, structures and capacity of resources to help them emerge as potential prospect for enabling intervention.
• These partners can then furher assist in outreaching and providing services across India. It will improve the overall sector’s capabilities by synergistic interaction of every NGOs best talent.
Q. In engaging collaborative mechanisms with contributors like Amazon and Tata Power, what specific strategies does Sarthak employ to enhance the effectiveness of its initiatives for Persons with Disabilities?
A. Sarthak has been implementing different initiatives to empower and mainstream PwDs across India. However, being a not-for-profit entity, Sarthak needs the financial sustainability and support to run and implement the initiatives effectively. Through some of thde prominent CSR partners like Amazon and Tata Power, Sarthak has been able to not only help train and employ youth with disabilities, but has launched different initiatives to effectively support the PwDs –
a) Global Resource Centre - One stop unique facility for disability sector to serve as a model facility for the disability sector, to provide end-to-end solutions related to research, innovation, accessibility under a single roof nationally and globally, comprisng 2 Basements + 3 Floor building, located in Sector 45, Gurugram, Haryana.
b) Digital solutions for PwDs – Sarthak with support from its partners has launched different digital platforms to support the PwDs – (i) CapSarathi App and portal a one-stop-solution for all information on disability in India; (ii) Rozgarsarathi – job portal for Divyangjan showing real time job openings available in Corporate, PSU and Govt. Organizations; (iii) GyanSarathi – A self-learning platform for Divyangjan to upscale their skills in different job roles available in the market.
Q. Can you share key indicators reflecting the scale and impact of Sarthak's programs, particularly in terms of the number of PwDs reached and placed?
A. Since its inception in 2008 Sarthak has been diligently working for inclusion and mainstreaming of PwDs. Over the years Sarthak has touched the lives of 2 million PwDs, directly and indirectly.
Through its life cycle approach beneficiaries have gained impactful interventions –
a) Early Intervention – Through two EI Centres more than 3700 children with disabilities in the age group 0-7 years have been rehabilitated.
b) Inclusive Education – through this initiative 425 children with disabilities have been mainstreamed
c) Skill Training – More than 65,000 youth with disabilities have been imparted free of cost training as per the market related requirements, under its JEET, Digital Literacy and VI Training Programs.
d) Employment – More than 38,000 PwDs got sustainable employment in different sectors including IT, BPO, Retail, Hospitality, E-commerce, Banking, Manufacturing and others with the support of 2000+ hiring partners of Sarthak till now.
Sarthak is now envisioning for empowerment of 10 Million PwDs across India and providing sustainable employment and entrepreneurship options to 0.2 Million skilled Youth with Disabilities.
Q. Looking back at 15 years of impact, what is Sarthak's most significant accomplishment, and could you share a powerful story that embodies your mission?
A. Sarthak since its inception mainly focused creating a market ready workforce that could sustain in the relevant job opportunities available in the job market. Starting with 8 VI trainees in 2008 in a small dental clinic converted into a training centre, today Sarthak has proudly trained and placed 70,000+ PwDs across India through its current 25 Centtres present in 16 States. It is well said "If you try to take one step for your betterment then you will automatically get a hundred ways to achieve your goal".
Suraj, who currently lives in Kerala has a hearing loss disability and his disability was detected when he was very young. He shared that, he faced lots of issues in expressing himself in school, while playing with his friend, and he used to get unnecessary sympathy from relatives and other people around him because that made him realize every time that he has some kind of incompleteness in him. He came to know about Sarthak Educational Trust through a Mobilizer staff who explained him the whole training process. Then, after three months of training, he told us that he learned many skills. He was able to understand how he can develop Self-confidence and can improve his communication skills, After completion of his training, he got placed in Cafe Coffee Day and currently taking 10,500 salary in hand along with perks and employee benefits. He’s happy how the training helped him & changed his life.
Q. How does Sarthak envision extending its successful model to support and contribute to global disability rights, considering its impactful track record in India?
A. Sarthak has planned a multi-pronged approach to support and contribute globally by 2027, through its 15 year vast experience in the field of disability -
(a) Outreach and networking with 50 NGOs in developing and under-developed nations, for their capacity building and knowledge sharing support.
(b) MoU with partner organizations for bringing in PwD users and provide them relevant services using digital solutions.
(c) Webinars and online promotional activities and events to outreach and network with more global organizations.
(d) Sharing of Gyansarathi ELMS system as a global virtual university that can be used by NGOs and individuals across the globe.
(e) Need-based assessment of partnering NGOs and organizing relevant training workshops
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