In the quiet village of Gordka, located in Gadhada Taluka of Botad District, Gujarat, lived Ishwarbhai Jadhavbhai Baraiya—a man with immense determination but limited means. Living with a locomotor disability that severely affected his legs, Ishwarbhai faced numerous challenges in moving around and sustaining a livelihood. He attempted to earn a living by cutting “supari” (betel nuts), a labor-intensive task often done at home. However, the lack of mobility meant that work had to come to him—something that rarely happened. His inability to reach out to potential employers or marketplaces left him at very low income level, isolated, and struggling.
This all changed when VOSAP intervened and provided him with a tricycle—a simple assistive device that became a symbol of empowerment and freedom. With this tricycle, Ishwarbhai now travels to nearby locations where he can collect raw supari, bring it home, and deliver the finished cut betel nuts, by himself. The mobility has allowed him to re-engage with his work, regain social connections, and restore his sense of self-worth.
Today, Ishwarbhai earns INR 100 to 150 per day, adding up to a monthly income of approximately INR 3000 to 3500. Beyond the financial independence, the tricycle has given him something even more valuable—dignity, confidence, and control over his own life. He no longer waits for opportunities to come to him; instead, he goes out and finds them.
Ishwarbhai’s story is a powerful testament to how the right support at the right time can open doors and transform lives. His journey is a beacon of hope for many others with disabilities who aspire to live with independence and pride.
