Giving hope to specially-abled people, Divyang Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DICCAI) has been diligently working to make them self-reliant. The brainchild of founder-owner of DICCAI, Raghunath Yemul Guruji, the organisation has benefited many Divangan (specially-abled).

During the lockdown they rolled an initiative involving the members in making masks. DICCAI and Badve Engineering Limited jointly provided the necessary equipment for this project. Thus, not a single member of the group went hungry in this tough phase. Philanthropist Danesh Shah, Managing Director of Sanghar Exports, has played a main role in DICCAI’s work.

Mr. Yemul also started the Food Insurance Scheme through which all the disabled received food grains. Under this scheme, the foundation distributed free food packets to 2500 specially-abled, through 15 centres in the city. This included daily distribution of nearly 5000 rotis, 120 kg rice, 200 kg vegetables, and more. This initiative is jointly organised by DICCAI, Mr Shah, Mukul Madhav Trust, and Avani Foundation.

DICCAI also provided them free transport facilities, sanitisation vehicles, and auto-rickshaws, following the COVID-19 guidelines. With the increasing number of patients, the foundation decided to deliver the food packets directly to the home of the specially-abled. Many philanthropists came forward to make this project a success.

In the past, DICCAI had also honoured the specially-abled from across the country doing remarkable work in particular fields. For the benefit of the disabled, the foundation had written several letters demanding necessary facilities for them. These letters were sent to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Chief Ministers of 28 states, for which they received a positive response. Supporting their initiatives, they received help from Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh CM.

Their other initiative includes community wedding ceremonies for Divyang couples. Divyam Service Lounge was also started on an experimental basis to support the members with marketing and facilitating sale of products made by them.

Many have extended their support in the foundation’s work, including Rajshri Gagare (Managing Director), Nilima Yemul (Director), Kunal Wagh (National Spokesperson), Dr Nivedita Ekbote (Founder-President), and the main pillars of DICCAI, Lalit Pofale (CA) and Raju Oswal.