Ashaniktan is a program of Sasha Handicrafts in the suburbs of Kolkata. Asha means hope, Niktan means home; the name is so meaningful for this group of approximately 40 mentally handicapped people, some of whom do live at the centre after being rejected by their parents. The group aims to give dignity through the form of jobs for mentally handicapped people. They also have a children’s program. Papu, aged 29, makes candles. He lives with his family and has never been to school. Before working with Ashaniktan, he was very insular and didn’t like to leave his home because people would throw rocks at him because of his handicap. When we visited he did appear a little reserved, but when asked about his work he was clearly very happy and confident in his abilities.
Papu is very happy with his job – he agrees that it makes him feel confident, and that it shows people that he is able to live a productive life. He is very proud to be able to give some of his money to his family.
In the mid-1990s, Papu won an award from the Indian National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, for being the best candle maker. This was clearly a very significant moment in his life.
He would like to thank Ten Thousand Villages for allowing him to make candles.
Sanjoy Das, Aged 30, is an embroider of textiles. He is renowned as a great tabla player and earns money playing music at local weddings and other occasions.
Sanjoy used to be very sad and angry all the time – he found life very hard when he had no work. That has all changed: he loves the challenge of learning new things at his job and he really enjoys his life. He gives some of his wages to his mother, and saves some in the bank.
He, too, would like to thank our customers for helping this group of artisans as “it is good for them to be happy!”
Both Sanjoy and Papu hope to work for Ashaniktan for a very long time.
Interview by Ian
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