Pankaj Sahu is an informal waste worker in Amritsar, hailing originally from Sheikhpura district in Bihar. For the past 20 years, he has been living in Ramnagar Colony, supporting his family of 8, by collecting recyclable waste. Pankaj faced immense challenges due to polio- a childhood affliction that left him with a disability. Yet, his determination and resilience have always stood out.
Using a manual rickshaw, Pankaj roams different parts of the city daily, collecting salable waste to earn a living. His dedication doesn’t stop there— for he also tutors children from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. before starting his day as a waste collector. However, driving a manual rickshaw with his physical limitations has always been an arduous task. Exhaustion, leg pain, and frequent stoppages due to fatigue were part of his daily struggles. Despite these challenges, Pankaj earned only INR.200–250 a day, which was barely sufficient to look after his family.
In a society where many physically challenged individuals resort to begging, Pankaj chose a path of dignity and hard work, refusing to let his disability define him. His unwavering self-respect and perseverance caught the attention of FINILOOP during one of their midline surveys. The team was deeply moved by his story and determined to ease his burdens.
FINILOOP came up with a plan that would drastically change Pankaj’s life. Pooling all their resources, and making extensive efforts, they managed to raise INR. 10000, for procuring a suitable engine. Once installed, Pankaj’s manual rickshaw was transformed into a motorized vehicle, significantly reducing the physical strain of his work.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Pankaj expressed his gratitude:
“Earlier, I would become breathless and my legs would ache after covering even a short distance. I often had to stop due to exhaustion. But now, this engine will eliminate those struggles. My life will be so much easier.”
This initiative by FINILOOP exemplifies how small actions can create profound impact. By recognizing and supporting the resilience of individuals like Pankaj, the team not only improved his quality of life but also reinforced the values of dignity, self-reliance, and community support.
