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REPORTS 116
EDII

Another important segment of the event was awards to selected divyang entrepreneurs. Selected Divyang
Entrepreneurs from Gujarat were felicitated by Hon'ble Shri Pradip Parmar. CEDA invited nominations from
eligible entrepreneurs and received 49 nominations from all across Gujarat, which were screened by the
high-level committee which arrived at 30 nominations. The Committee then interacted with 30 shortlisted
candidates to arrive at 12 nalists.

The 12 nalists were further evaluated on the basis of chievements,
a
• Challenges faced for setting up the organization,
/
• Innovation in product service,
/
• Environment friendly product service,
• Future plan

5 entrepreneurs were nally selected who were felicitated by Shri Pradip Parmarji.
The winners included:
• Mrs. Harshidaben Prajapati (Female entrepreneur); Diva Care Products
Harshidaben Prajapati is handicapped. She feels that every women is not in a position to buy sanitary
products of established brands due to weak economic conditions. She, therefore, started the business
of sanitary pads with an initial investment of Rs.2.5 lakh in the year 2015. Currently she is running this
business with the help of six women. Her husband Mr. Ghanshyambhai Prajapati is taking care of
nancial and marketing aspects of business. She wants to add more divyang women in her business.
Currently, they are selling their products through medical stores.

• Mr. Jagdishbhai Patel (Male entrepreneur); Divyang Gruh Udyog
Mr. Jagdishbhai Patel started his business in 2017. Initially, he bought soaps from Ahmedabad and sold
in nearby villages. He invested some money from his own savings. Currently, he is manufacturing more
than 42 items like soaps, detergent liquid, phenol, etc. under the brand name of Divyang Gruh Udyog .
He is exclusively selling his products to other divyangs so that they can sell further and earn a living. In
his manufacturing facility, he provides employment to divyangjan. In future, he wants to provide
employment to 500 to 1000 divyangjan.

• Mr. Samir Kakkad (Male entrepreneur); SaiKa Mobility Hub
Mr. Samir Kakkad belongs to Banaskhantha district of Gujarat. He is a mechanical engineer. His father
and mother were doctors, yet unfortunately he suffered from Polio at the age of 1. He successfully
designed a product which helps in the mobility of divyangjan. He has also come up with a mobility kit for
divyangjan. Currently, more than 10000 divyangjan are using his kit in their vehicles and are thus able to
overcome their locomotive handicaps.

The Chief Guest congratulated the winners and highlighted how hard work, determination and
perseverance could move mountains.

Hon'ble Shri Pradip Parmar stated, “There are focused efforts required to alter the mindset of people
towards the differently abled. Their self-reliance is the responsibility of society because the differently
abled have unique strengths and skills that need to be worked upon to let them stand as self-condent
and self-assured entrepreneurs. Several Government policies are also focused on creating a favorable
environment for them, and these are sure generating results. EDII is doing great work. The Institute is
facilitating inclusive growth. This is extremely important for a wholesome society.”

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