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Disabilities are not Detterents
...Project AASHRAY, supported by Kone Elevators and Escalators

The AASHRAY (Kone) project, aimed at empowering persons with disabilities, vested
autonomy and self-sufficiency in 150 People with Disabilities (PwDs) in Maharashtra
through uniquely curated enterprise creation and growth programme. Across two
districts, 36 PwD beneficiaries collaborated to establish four group enterprises, while an
additional 28 individuals ventured into entrepreneurial endeavors independently. Their
participation in three significant exhibitions, organized by local and state governments,
resulted in sales surpassing 2 lakhs, underlining their resolve to adopt a meaningful life. Dr.
Raman Gujral is the Project Director.

The programme concluded in April
2024 leaving a valuable lesson on
promoting inclusive development
for achieving holistic socio-
economic growth.

In all, over 180 PwDs received
comprehensive training on
enterprise development and
growth. Simultaneously, awareness
programmes targeting more than
225 community members were
conducted, to address concerns and
detterents typical to PwDs.

Inauguration of the agro food processing unit and
AASHRAY project stood out as an machineries bought by the differently abled
inspiration to drive inclusivity and beneficiaries trained under Project AASHRAY at
sustainable development on the Jaykheda, Nashik., in the presence of the dignitaries
premise of training, mentoring and from KONE.
hand-holding support.

Mainstreaming the Disadvantaged Through Entrepreneurial Skills and Competencies
...WEDPs in the Bhivpuri Block in Maharashtra, supported by Tata Power Community
Development Trust

Entrepreneurship has given a new lease of life to many women across sections of society.
One such programme to ensure that women adopt entrepreneurship as a career, was
conducted in Bhivpuri block of Raigad district for Women / SHG member. Six villages of
Bhivpuri area were covered under the programme with the mandates of creating
awareness about entrepreneurship among 200 women and training close to 75 women
under Women Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (WEDPs). Two
Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes were conducted at Potal and Vaijnath. 65
women have attended the EAPs. Subsequently, the selection process was undertaken to
select women trainees for WEDPs. Dr. Prakash Solanki is the Project Director.

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