Wheeled warrior (To read from source click here)
By: Swati Kumari, Date: 2010-03-15, Place: Delhi, Mid Day
The wheelchair doesn’t confine Sminu Jindal’s spirit from working towards finding work for the the differently-abled, like herself
And thus she spoke: Sminu Jindal has moved many with her determination
35-year-old Sminu Jindal thinks no movement must be restricted to that. She is busy juggling office work and household chores on a wheelchair, but there’s always room for more. Paralysed waist downwards, Sminu does not believe on sitting on her laurels. She is the founder of Svayam — an initiative that has been working towards providing independence and dignity to people with reduced mobility. Svayam has been engaged in making various public places accessible to all, especially the elderly and the disabled.
She is also the chairperson of ‘Arunim’ (Association for Rehabilitation under National Trust Initiative in Marketing) and Managing Director of Jindal SAW, apart being a mother of two. We could finds out how this Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2009, who was recognised by the World Economic Forum as an under-40 leader, manages it all.
How did you muster the courage to start your own cause?
I was confined, but I never allowed my spirit to be chained. On the contrary, it added wheels to my determination. I wanted to take life head on, not only for myself, but for the millions of others who needed support. That’s the reason why Svayam was conceptualised. The results are already showing. I feel that the government is now far more sensitive about introducing disabled-friendly outfits in sectors that affect the day-to-day lives of people.
How did you decide to be a part of Arunim, and what is its role?
National Trust discussed the launch of a first-of-its-kind Marketing Board for the disabled ‘ARUNIM’ (Association for Rehabilitation under National Trust Initiative in Marketing) with us, and invited me to be the chairperson. I was highly obliged. Arunim was launched to act as a step towards economic empowerment of persons with severe to profound disabilities, who have limited opportunities for open placement. We them in securing livelihood and capacity building through production of goods that are market-driven, making them competitive and market compatible.
And your third role, that of an MD.
Things started changing once I joined a part-time MBA programme at the Fore School of Management. I chose to do a part-time programme, because by this time I was in-charge of a unit that was not doing too well. So, I really had to give it my best there and in the evening I would go and study. While I was ascending the ladder in business, I also had to face skepticism. In a Marwari society, you really do not find women at work. People think that women just can’t do it when it comes to industrial work.
What does your typical day look like? One hour of yoga and cardio exercises, lots of work in office, digging information on ‘crystal therapy’ and giving constant feedback to different organisations who approach me, besides being involved in Svayam’s and Arunim’s activities as well.
Did you find enough support?
My parents have been really supportive since my childhood. I am so glad that they were tough when they needed to be tough. Of course, they were kind and loving, too. I really appreciate their faith in me. My family is full of selfless people, who have helped me to understand myself.
I have not had a problem in accepting my condition, and neither has my husband. I am a mother of two, (Arjan and Anav) aged six and three, and divide time between work and children along with Svayam. I expect my kids to become more sensitive and actually take forward my work at Svayam.
How can the common man make a difference in such a cause?
I believe that growth is possible when you include everybody. Hence, everyone whether able-bodied or mobility challenged, should be treated with dignity and given equal opportunities.
It’s a matter of developing the right attitude, and believe me, it ain’t rocket science!
Dear Sminu madam, I appreciate your “Right” attitude toward your vision and intiative “Svayam”. I have paid attention on an article from Economic Times that saying about you and your initiative Svayam. Thanks so much !!!