When we visited the Sarthak Educational Trust in Gurugram, India, we were immediately struck by the sense of purpose that permeated the space. The center was bustling with activity, as people engaged in training sessions and workshops aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs). The stories displayed on the walls reflected the real impact Sarthak has made in the lives of many.
During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting Dr. Aggrawal, the founder of Sarthak. His story is one of remarkable resilience. Once a practicing dentist, Dr. Aggrawal’s life changed dramatically in 2004 when he began losing his vision. Confronted with this life-altering challenge, he chose to channel his energy into helping others facing similar difficulties. He truly embodies the spirit of the old Indian proverb: “Amrit mehngaa hotaa hai to zindagi ka zehar bhi peena padta hai.” ("If nectar is costly, one must also learn to drink life's poison.") For Dr. Aggrawal, this meant turning his personal struggle into a mission to uplift others.
In 2013, Dr. Aggrawal founded Sarthak Educational Trust with the goal of providing training and employment opportunities for PwDs. Today, Sarthak operates 26 centers across 20 states in India, offering both in-person and online programs designed to help PwDs become job-ready. These efforts are similar to the "Finding & Keeping a Job" program under Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Australia India Society of Victoria (AISV) has been associated with Sarthak for the past few years, and our recent visit deepened our appreciation for the work being done. We saw how Sarthak’s programs not only equip individuals with skills but also assist them in securing meaningful employment. For children aged 0-10, Sarthak’s early intervention scheme focuses on capacity building, laying the groundwork for future success.
Dr. Aggrawal also shared with us Sarthak’s innovative digital platforms:
Capsarathi: An information portal that provides resources for PwDs.
Web link : https://capsarathi.com
Gyan Sarathi: An e-learning portal offering accessible educational content for PwDs.
Web Link : https://gyansarathi.org/
3. Rozgar Sarathi: A job portal that connects trained PwDs with employment opportunities.
These platforms demonstrate Sarthak’s commitment to using technology to enhance accessibility and empower PwDs. Looking ahead, Sarthak has an ambitious plan to establish a University for the Disability Sector in India. This university will focus on creating a skilled workforce to better serve PwDs. To make this vision a reality, Sarthak aims to raise Rs. 200 Crore through corporate sponsorships, donors, and other sources. AISV believes this initiative offers a unique opportunity for the Indian diaspora in Australia and others to support a cause that will significantly impact the lives of PwDs in India.
Our visit to Sarthak Educational Trust left us deeply inspired. We saw firsthand the difference that dedicated support and resources can make in the lives of PwDs. As AISV continues its partnership with Sarthak, we are committed to supporting their mission and helping build a more inclusive society, both in India and Australia.
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