How a Mall in Bengaluru is promoting entrepreneurship within the Disabled community this Diwali

The festival of lights is right around the corner. The markets are lush, the shopping offers are piling, and the excitement can be felt in the very air. Adding to all this exuberant energy and positive vibes, RMZ Galleria Mall , Yelahanka together with Atypical Advantage is working hard to brighten up the spirits and lives of persons with disabilities.
 

The mall will promote Entrepreneurship within the Disabled community & also focus on the abilities of people with disabilities as part of their Diwali event, ‘Festive Delights’. Entrepreneurs with disabilities will display their products at a special section outside the galleria mall. This means that the customers can enjoy a flea market experience at the mall while taking home amazing décor items, home essentials and many more products.

The best part about these products is that all of these are Eco Friendly products made by persons with disabilities. So, you take home something that both the environment and your soul will thank you for!

Here’s a quick look at the 7 NGOs & Entrepreneurs that are participating in ‘Festive Delights’, through their own unique stories:

1.     Akshadhaa Foundation

Aishani Dutta is a young woman with an autism spectrum disorder. With her eye for aesthetics and passion for beautifying all that she sees, Aishani has aptly picked the area of embellishing Diyas, decorating greeting cards and product packaging. Her disability could never touch her inherent flair of arts and crafts.

You can meet Aishani and her colleague with down syndrome, Shruti at the Galleria Mall on 3^rd and 4^th November as they represent Akshadhaa Foundation. Akshadhaa’s Stall, ‘Blessings Gifting’ will display aesthetic Diyas, scented jar candles, aroma diffusers, planters and assorted chocolates. All these products are made and packed by people with disabilities just like Aishani and Shruti.

2.     Karthik Bharadwaj:

Karthik is a young man diagnosed with Autism and Muscular Dystrophy. He is an extremely spirited child with high concentration in work and memory. Karthik studied up to 7th and couldn't continue further as his mobility stopped and was empowered by a  wheelchair . To make him engaged and self-sufficient, he started preparation of presentation covers and slowly started painting the clay Diyas.  He had stalls in various exhibitions and could get good support.  For his creative work, he was felicitated by Canara Bank in Dec.2018 on the occasion of 'international day for persons with disability'.

You can meet Karthik and witness his genius in action at the Galleria Mall on 3^rd and 4^th November at his stall, ‘ Karthik’s Special Art’. This stall will display Hand-painted diyas, Wall hangings, Clay masks, Keychains and Handmade cash-covers, all made by Karthik himself.

3. Hosa Belaku Artisans Foundation

Jogi Siddaiah is a young man with a severe disability . He is paralyzed waist down as a result of polio. Despite having limits to his mobility, Jogi lives with a relentless spirit and a passion that is surely limitless. With his spirit, talent and love, he makes the most incredible patchwork toys, block-printed articles and embroidered bags.

You can witness Jogi’s dexterity with his products at the Galleria Mall on 3^rd and 4^th November, at Hosa Belaku Artisans Foundation’s eponymous stall. This stall will display colorful block printed stationery, Fabric sling bags, organizers, and work from home kits and many more ecofriendly products exclusively made by persons with disabilities.

 4. Craftizen Foundation

 Ramya is a 35-year-old with Schizophrenia. She has completed her BA and is now taking treatment and counselling for improving her concentration. She is now consciously working to upskill herself and maintain a stable and disciplined lifestyle. She is also working diligently to become self-reliant and financially independent.

You can explore and buy the incredible products made by Ramya and her team at the Galleria Mall on 3^rd and 4^th November at the ‘Craftizen Foundation’ Stall. This stall will display Assorted Chocolates, Fancy Eco-friendly Diyas, T-Lites, Rangoli Kits, Fairy Lights and Paper Hangings.

5.   Mitti Café

Bhairappa, who is a young man with dwarfism, works extremely hard to provide the best products and services to the customers of Mitti Café. Along with his most authentic smile, his food preparation can equally make hearts melt. From making delicious cookies to preparing the zestiest tea and coffee, Bhairappa can do it all.

You can meet Bhairappa together with his colleague Manjula who has dwarfism too at the Galleria mall on 3^rd and 4^th November. The ‘Mitti Café’ stall will display Cookies, Spiced Dry Fruits, Hot Chocolate Melts,  Teas (more than 10 flavors), Premium Coffee, Brownie Box,  Diyas, Essential Oil Soaps and many more exciting products.

6.  Chetana NGO

Whether it’s young men and women with intellectual disabilities or adults with diverse disabilities, Chetana uplifts every person with disability in a holistic and nurturing fashion. With their rehabilitation centers, they provide psychological foundation, healthy routines and discipline to lives. Additionally, they train and employ all these persons with disabilities to ensure a life of economic independence and dignified income.

You can witness the power of united efforts, made by all these persons with disabilities at the Galleria Mall on 3^rd and 4^th November at Chetana’s Stall. ‘Chetana (a unit of Prashanti Foundation, Sirsi)’ will display Upcycled notebooks, Banana stem desk accessories, Banana Stem boxes, Upcycled Photo Frames, Upcycled clock, travel kit and coasters.

7.    Pragati Towards Livelihood

Arvind is a professional teacher with Speech and Hearing impairment. Thoroughly skilled in digital printing and creative arts, he continues to dedicate all his time and efforts in training autistic young adults. Helping them become experts in digital printing and other creative tasks.

You can meet Arvind along with his colleague Santhosh, who is a young 21 year old with an intellectual disability at the Galleria Mall on 3^rd and 4^th November at Pragati’s Stall. ‘Pragati For Livelihood (under Biswa Gouri Charitable Trust)’ will display Bookmarks, Cotton Masks, Dancing Doll Keychains, Digitally Printed Mugs, Handmade Cloth Diaries, Mosaic Trays and Coasters.

 We cordially invite you to experience diwali shopping, inclusive style!

See you at The Galleria Mall, Yelahanka on the 3^rd and 4^th November.