A Village Comes Together
In U. Mangalam village, Kammapuram block of Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, nearly 800 families live primarily through daily wage work and small-scale farming. When Goonj volunteers engaged with the community under the Cloth for Work (CFW) initiative, the discussions not only focused on collective village urgency but also highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the village.
Addressing Accessibility urgency
During the conversations, the villagers shared that two members of their community urgently needed mobility assistance. Amsavalli, a 30-year-old aspiring student preparing for government exams, regularly visited the local library but relied on family and neighbours to accompany her. Manikandan, a 20-year-old, lived with his widowed mother and needed to travel a kilometre each month to purchase essential medicines. Both had long struggled without proper mobility aids.
Restoring Independence and Dignity
As part of the Cloth for Work initiative, kits were rewarded and Goonj channelised two wheelchairs, one to Amsavalli and one to Manikandan. For Amsavalli, the wheelchair meant she could now reach the library independently, dedicating more time to her studies. “Now I can go to the library without anyone’s help and study as long as I want. I will develop my knowledge and aim to secure a government job. One day, I will buy 10 wheelchairs for others like me,” she shared with determination.
Hope for the Future
The simple act of channelising mobility aids not only brought relief but also instilled a renewed sense of confidence and dignity in the recipients. These wheelchairs became more than just physical tools; they symbolised opportunity, independence, and the promise of a brighter future.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
