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Like Gaikwad,there are others too with different physical and mental challenges and are busy making eco-friendly bags at Nirmalaya Trust these days. Post the ban on the usage of plastic bags in the city,the trust has witnessed around 25 per cent increase in the demand of the eco-friendly bags.

Currently,for the paper bag project,around 200 physically and mentally challenged workers are working under the Trust. While a few work at the unit located near Bhandarkar Road,others who are not able to commute due to their physical disabilities are given their share of work that they finish at their respective homes.

Nirmalya Trust is a helping hand for physically challenged was founded in 2003 by Meena Bedarkar with handful of volunteers in order to provide viable podium for the economic and social empowerment of the physically challenged. But what makes this trust unique is the fact that besides imparting knowledge and other soft skills to physically challenged,they also organise workshops wherein the training is given by physically and mentally challenged people to those who are normal. “This not only boosts their confidence but also helps them earn money,” says Bedarkar.

In the last seven years the trust has grown with brisk pace and even expanded its operations to the rural areas. “I feel comfortable and blessed in doing these things for them. At the same time I don’t think I am giving anything,in fact its their ability and skill that helps them earn a decent living and get in to the mainstream of the society,” says Bedarkar. She further adds that these underprivileged are being treated as family member of the trust and she is happy with the way the family is swelling day by day.

“Initially it was quite difficult but gradually I learnt it through perpetual training imparted by volunteers of the trust,” says Gaikwad as he manages to make about 60-70 bags in a day.

While normal bags made with newspaper are sold between Rs 2.50 to Rs 2.70 per bag,the designer bags made with thick brown paper,decorated with drawings and beads are sold for Rs 35 per bag.

Twenty-year-old,Tushar Panemanglor is a mentally challenged but a quick learner. He speaks decent English and enjoys working here alongwith his friends. “In addition to that,I am also able to earn some money for my day-to-day expenses,” he smiles.

There are also some physically challenged students who are working here on hourly basis. Like the siblings,Arjun and Dyaneshwar Kendre,both visually challenged,are easily able to make an earning which takes care of their mess and hostel bills. The brothers came from Latur and are in Pune for studies. “It was a difficult task to find a suitable job for ourselves. Fortunately we got to know about Nirmalaya,” smiles Arjun.