Four blind friends living in an Althan Shelter Home run by the Surat Municipal Corporation have become self-reliant by crossing their physical limitations and through continuous efforts and hard work. They make paper plates and paper dona with the help of a paper plate automatic machine. They not only run their own business but also do the production, marketing, and packaging themselves.
Alpesh Patel, Vipin Kachhariya, Ajay Gamit, and Mohit Patel are all in their early 20s and 30s. They lost their vision due to various reasons, but they did not let that stop them from achieving their dreams.
Alpesh Patel came up with the idea of starting a paper plate business after he was inspired by a couplet written by Majrooh Sultanpuri: "I was walking alone towards my destination, but people kept coming together and a caravan was formed."
With the help of the Help Divine Foundation, Alpesh and his friends were able to purchase a paper plate automatic machine. They started their business in the shelter home itself, and they quickly gained a reputation for their high-quality products.
Today, Alpesh and his friends earn seven to ten thousand rupees per person per month. They are also able to provide employment to ten other people.
Tarun Mishra, General Secretary of Jyoti Social Service Organization and founder of Help Divine Foundation, said that he is proud of Alpesh and his friends for their courage and determination. He said that their story is an inspiration to all, and it shows that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
The story of Alpesh and his friends is a reminder that we are all capable of great things, regardless of our circumstances. It is also a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams.
