A wheelchair-bound man in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has started his own joinery unit and is providing jobs to around half a dozen people.
Arshid Ahmad Wani a resident of Malpora, Litter village of the district was working as a carpenter but a tragedy struck him in 2016 summer when he was working on the rooftop of a cowshed. He lost his balance and fell on the boulders resulting in grievous injuries to his both legs. Arshid survived after treatment but he wasn’t able to walk again as the accident left his both legs paralyzed.
Wani decided to move on and today he is an inspiration for the specially-abled youth. He owns a joinery unit and has over a dozen youth as his employees who are earning their livelihood.
“I 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 “I was getting depressed and finally decided to set up a woodwork unit but financial constraints were the main hurdle for me”.
“Initially, locals and few relatives helped me to manage the unit. Later, I realized that I should apply for a loan and thanks to the then Deputy Commissioner Pulwama who appreciated my idea and helped me to avail loan through District Industries Center after which I managed to run my own joinery mill,” he said. “I have bought almost 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. “I was the sole bread earner of my family as I am taking care of my two children, wife and old mother besides family of my younger brother.”Arshid Ahmad Wani
