The Resurging Value of Civil Society for Indian Crafts
Chandan Singh Banjara, a resilient and determined individual, was born on the 1st of January 1986 in Chakdeopur, Guna. Life posed significant challenges initially, as he was born with a physical disability. Chandan’s father was the sole earning member of a family of ten. Despite the odds, Chandan’s family believed in the importance of education and enrolled him in a school in Chakdeopur in 1991, which provided education up to the 5th standard.As he progressed in his studies, Chandan had to travel six kilometres from his village to Umari for further education. Initially, he managed to go on his friend’s bicycle, but soon he faced difficulties commuting alone. With the support of his school principal, he was provided with a threewheeler cycle to assist him in his journey. Chandan’s dear friend, Mohan Singh, also played a crucial role in helping him cover the challenging mountainous terrain,
making the impossible seem achievable.
Despite the lack of resources and electricity in his village, Chandan’s determination shone through, and he managed to complete his 10th standard in 2003 from the Government High School, securing an impressive 75%. However, the lack of educational opportunities beyond the 10th standard in his village left Chandan at a crossroads. With limited options for higher education, Chandan’s dreams of continuing his studies seemed shattered. His family’s financial situation made it challenging for them to support his education in a distant city like Guna. Heartbroken but undeterred, Chandan accepted that the 10th standard would end his formal education. Despite the obstacles, Chandan refused to let his disability define his life. He decided to contribute to society by imparting knowledge and started a coaching academy in Gopalgarh to teach young children up to the 5th standard. This venture allowed him to earn some income, but health issues forced him to close the academy after three years.
In 2014, Chandan started another coaching academy, this time in Barbatpura village, where he continued to teach young minds. Although the financial returns were not substantial, he found satisfaction in sharing his knowledge with the children. However, this endeavour ended after a year due to needing more proper
support.
In 2016, an opportunity arose when a friend offered Chandan a teaching job at an organisation where he received proper training. This marked a turning point as he began teaching kids in his home. This venture brought him a stable monthly income of 900 rupees and boosted his confidence.
In 2018, another friend contacted Chandan with an online work opportunity. Through the Digital Empowerment Foundation, he started providing various services to villagers. He earned a reasonable income, including a black-and-white printer and a mobile phone under the Samarth SoochnaPreneur project. Chandan became a crucial link in helping villagers access government schemes and information, contributing significantly to the community’s welfare. Samarth Soochnapreneur now, his monthly income is approximately 6000 monthly.
In 2019, Chandan started a grocery store to supplement his income further and support his family. His dedication and hard work began to bear fruit, and he found himself financially stable, ensuring he could provide for his family’s needs. Chandan’s journey is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite the challenges he faced due to his physical disability, he transformed his life through education, hard work, and a strong desire to help others. His vision is to ensure that every villager benefits from government schemes, and he continues working towards earning 10000 rupees monthly.
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