Arunim A Disability Products Brand in India

The former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has launched first of its kind marketing board for the disabled Association for Rehabilitation under National Trust Initiative in Marketing (ARUNIM).

He also launched a helpline – Abiline (01126166250) for the counseling of parents of disabled, NGOs and people with special needs. He also released a 32 pages booklet of National Trust was also released in English and Telugu.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Smt. Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan said on the occasion that launching of ARUNIM is a joint effort of government, corporate and handicap sectors. The Secretary of the Ministry Shri K.M. Acharya ensured full support to the initiative.

Disability need not stop anyone from work and economic freedom. Perfumed candles, microwaveproof leaf plates, trendy clothes and accessories, all these and more are being made by people with autism, multiple disabilities and are sold in obscure locations across India.

Now these products will carry a brand name and will be knit together as a giant marketing corporation with markets in India and abroad.

Currently low literacy, few jobs and widespread social stigma are making disabled people among the most excluded in India. Children with disabilites are less likely to be in school, disabled adults are more likely to be unemployed, and families with a disabled member are often worse off than average.

Talking about the initiative, Ms. Sminu Jindal, Chairperson, ARUNIM said, “The commencement of ARUNIM marks yet another landmark initiative by the National Trust and is a very proud moment for everyone associated with this venture. This initiative is a step towards Economic Empowerment of persons with severe to profound disabilities who have limited opportunities for open placement. We would assist them in securing livelihood and capacity building through production of goods that are market-driven, making them competitive and market compatible.” Wheelchair borne Jindal who lost her legs in a road accident also gave full credit to the National Trust chairperson Poonam Natarajan for the effort. ”It is Natarajan’s vision which has led to the birth of ARUNIM.”

ARUNIM is an independent Marketing Federation which will work for atleast minimum wages for persons employed in sheltered/supported work environments, by facilitating skill development, innovative product designing and development, adaptations and mechanization where appropriate and feasible, Quality Assurance, and by marketing products made, using sound strategies in Product, Packaging, Pricing, Placing and Promotions.

It is registered under Societies Registration Act 1865, and has Ms. Sminu Jindal, Chairperson of Jindal SAW, in Chairperson of Jindal SAW, in the Chair. The Board Comprises a committed and enthusiastic team of professionals from the field of Marketing, Product Design, Human Resources, Special Education, Law and from the NGO sector working with persons with disabilities.