Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, Bhagwati Trust and Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, organised a special event at the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities to empower individuals with disabilities by distributing a modified e-rickshaw food cart.
The e-rickshaw food cart was handed over to Gauresh Marathe, a wheelchair user, with an aim to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities, fostering independence and dignity.
“I will now feed people by preparing tea and various eatables. This way, I will also feed myself. I was lying at home for five and half years before Purple Fest. After that Guruprasad Pawaskar helped me by providing bike wheel chair, and now I got the E-rickshaw food cart,” said the emotional Gauresh.
Minister for Department for Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities and Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Dessai graced the occasion. Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Varsha Naik, Director-Department for Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Taha Haziq, Secretary-Office of Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and Sharad Pai, District Governor of Rotary International District (RID) 3170, Rahul Rajani of Bhagwati Trust; Tanvi Sawant, Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera President; Maithili Nadkarni, secretary, Gaurish Dhond and Clare Dsouza, were also present.
Speaking at the event, Phal Dessai stated: “Empowering persons with disabilities is not just about providing assistance, but about creating avenues for self-reliance and dignity. This e-rickshaw food cart is a step towards ensuring that individuals like Gauresh Marathe have the tools they need to succeed. We are deeply grateful to Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera and Bhagwati Trust for their commitment to this cause and for working alongside the government to make such meaningful initiatives possible.”
The event highlighted the power of collaboration between government bodies, community organisations, and NGOs in fostering an inclusive society. Initiatives like these not only provide practical support but also inspire a collective commitment to creating opportunities that enable persons with disabilities to lead independent and dignified lives.
