Starts joinery unit, provides job to 6 unemployed youth
By: Aabid Hameed
Pulwama: A specially-abled man from South Kashmir’s Pulwama district has become an inspiration for many jobless youth in Jammu and Kashmir as despite being lifeless below waist, he has started his own joinery unit and is providing jobs to around half dozen people.
Arshid Ahmad Wani (34), son of Late Ali Mohammed Wani of Malpora Litter village of the district, who was a carpenter by profession, fell down from a rooftop of the house in 2016 following which his movement remained confined to bed only.
It could be an inspiration for thousands of physically-abled persons that Wani is working despite being wheelchair bound at his unit instead of begging.
“I underwent four surgeries costing around Rs 16 lakhs but still I couldn’t regain my health,” he said, adding that after remaining confined to 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 put him on the back foot for some time.
“As the time passed, I realized how long the people will help me and I must do something to stand on my legs. I finally applied for a loan and thanks to the then Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama who appreciated my idea and availed a loan through District Industries after which I managed to start my own joinery mill.”
At present, six persons are working at my unit and I am receiving many orders to make doors and windows, he said, adding that he urges the handicapped people not to beg but stand on their own legs.
I was the sole earner of my family. I have two children, a wife and an old mother besides the family of my younger brother who has been with me for the last three years, he said.
It is my brother who was arranging my medicines, taking me to the doctor but he himself is a father of three due to which his family is also facing several problems, he said, adding that “I thank all those who supported me in earning my livelihood.”
The trend is becoming that most handicapped persons prefer begging over starting something on their own, he said, adding that my request to everyone will be to stand on your own legs so that you won’t be forced to beg.
Thank God presently I am earning a handsome income and providing a job to six persons as well, he said.
