Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 05: A handicapped man in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has started his own joinery unit and is providing a job to around half a dozen people.
Arshid Ahmad Wani, 34, son of late Ali Muhammed is a resident of Malpora, Litter village of the district who was a carpenter by profession but a tragedy struck him in 2016 summer when he was working on the rooftop of a cowshed and lost his balance after which he fell on the boulders resulting in the grievous injuries to his both legs. After treatment, Arshid survived, but wasn’t able to walk again as his both legs are paralyzed.
However, he decided to move on and today he is an inspiration for many physically disabled youth in Pulwama district. Moving on a wheelchair, Arshid owns a joinery unit and has over a dozen youth as his employees who are earning their livelihood.
“I went underwent four surgeries costing around Rs 16 lakh but to no avail,” he said, adding that after remaining confined to a wheelchair for more than two years he got very much depressed and finally decided not to give up and thought of setting up woodwork unit but financial constraints were the main hurdle for him.
“For some time, locals and few relatives helped me for some time. Later, I realized that I should apply for a loan and thanks to then Deputy Commissioner Pulwama who appreciated my idea and availed loan through District Industries Center after which I managed to start my own joinery mill,” he said. “So far I have almost bought all the machines that I need for woodworking.”
At present six persons are working at Arshid’s unit and he is receiving many orders to make doors and windows. “I request handicapped people not to beg but move on and try to explore ways and means of starting their own ventures,” he told KNO. “I was the sole earner of my family as I have two children, wife and old mother besides family of my younger brother who has been with me from last three years.”—(KNO)
