Name of the Beneficiary

Deepali Yallapa Waghmode

Name of the Enterprise Floated

Sangharsh Gruh Udyog

Present Turnover

Rs. 1,20,000

Employment Generated

4 PwDs

Inital Investments

• Rs. 8500

Funds Raised, if any

• 30,000 From Govt. Dept. & 30,000 Own Contribution

Empowerment blooms even in the face of adversity. Deepali Waghmode, a 25-year-old woman with a disability, faced significant barriers to education and opportunity. However, a visit by the EDII to her village offered a path forward. EDII, in collaboration with Kone Elevators & Escalators, provided comprehensive training to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), equipping them with valuable skills. Deepali learned various trades, such as candle making, agarbatti production, and dhoop making, along with essential marketing, packaging, and licensing knowledge. After the training, EDII supported Deepali with Udhyam registration.

With an initial investment of Rs. 8,500, Deepali is poised to launch her handcrafted products under the business name “Sangharsh”. Despite facing numerous socio-economic hurdles due to her physical challenges, Deepali secured a Rs. 30,000 revolving fund through a Self-Help Group (SHG) to support her enterprise. Four other PwDs are also working with her in Sangharsh Udyog, selling their products in the local market.   

With EDII’s assistance, Deepali has also applied for an e-rickshaw scheme, which will help her transport products to the local market. Currently earning Rs. 400 – Rs. 500 per day, she became independent. In the future, she plans to expand her product line to include a variety of essence sticks and designer candles with attractive packaging. Deepali’s story is a shining example of determination and the transformative power of skill development.