1 01:00:08,000 --> 01:00:10,920 For me, being Independent means, 2 01:00:10,920 --> 01:00:12,320 Having my own business, 3 01:00:12,320 --> 01:00:13,679 Getting a better job, 4 01:00:13,679 --> 01:00:15,079 and being able to earn money 5 01:00:15,079 --> 01:00:16,599 so that I do not have to be dependent on anyone else. 6 01:00:16,599 --> 01:00:19,320 Being able to stand on my feet. 7 01:00:19,320 --> 01:00:21,039 Getting a job so that I can 8 01:00:21,039 --> 01:00:22,840 help my family and the people around me. 9 01:00:22,840 --> 01:00:24,639 Having my own identity, 10 01:00:24,639 --> 01:00:27,679 and not being dependent on anyone else. 11 01:00:29,559 --> 01:00:33,599 Independence isn't simply an event we celebrate. 12 01:00:33,599 --> 01:00:35,719 Independence is hope. 13 01:00:35,719 --> 01:00:39,039 that is sustained through continual learning. 14 01:00:40,639 --> 01:00:43,960 The 3.4 million people with disabilities 15 01:00:43,960 --> 01:00:45,880 who are part of India's workforce 16 01:00:45,880 --> 01:00:49,880 stand as testament to the spirit of independence. 17 01:00:49,880 --> 01:00:53,119 But this is just a fraction of the 13 million 18 01:00:53,119 --> 01:00:54,920 people with disabilities 19 01:00:54,920 --> 01:00:56,599 who are employable. 20 01:00:56,599 --> 01:01:00,159 These are productive members of our society. 21 01:01:02,079 --> 01:01:03,880 The Sarthak Educational Trust, 22 01:01:03,880 --> 01:01:08,119 supported by Optum, strives to unlock their true potential 23 01:01:09,559 --> 01:01:11,920 by providing them with skills, 24 01:01:11,920 --> 01:01:12,800 education 25 01:01:13,719 --> 01:01:15,039 and vocational training. 26 01:01:15,639 --> 01:01:18,000 This enables people with disabilities to 27 01:01:18,000 --> 01:01:20,239 f ind jobs in the private sector. 28 01:01:21,679 --> 01:01:24,519 When we started, not a single one employer was ready 29 01:01:24,519 --> 01:01:27,320 and now we have 5000 plus employers. 30 01:01:27,320 --> 01:01:30,559 So it's a case where now corporates has realised that 31 01:01:30,559 --> 01:01:33,840 hiring a people with disabilities is not a charity game. 32 01:01:33,840 --> 01:01:36,119 It's a win-win situation for both the parties. 33 01:01:37,800 --> 01:01:40,800 As a force for good in India, for India, 34 01:01:40,800 --> 01:01:43,199 Optum provides strategic support to 35 01:01:43,199 --> 01:01:45,159 Sarthak Educational Trust. 36 01:01:45,159 --> 01:01:46,840 This partnership equips people 37 01:01:46,840 --> 01:01:49,400 with basic as well as sectoral training. 38 01:01:52,000 --> 01:01:54,679 We have been engaged for the past three years 39 01:01:54,679 --> 01:01:57,960 and Sarthak is very clear in their vision to ensure 40 01:01:57,960 --> 01:01:59,880 that this particular community 41 01:01:59,880 --> 01:02:03,400 contributes extensively both to the economy 42 01:02:03,400 --> 01:02:05,920 and to the social fabric of India 43 01:02:08,039 --> 01:02:11,800 Personally for me and my volunteers, it's an eye-opener. 44 01:02:14,960 --> 01:02:17,400 We help with the resume building exercise, 45 01:02:17,400 --> 01:02:20,679 we looked at the profiles, we spoke with the beneficiaries 46 01:02:20,679 --> 01:02:23,679 and I think it's very important and imperative for us to 47 01:02:23,679 --> 01:02:25,280 upskill the beneficiaries. 48 01:02:31,000 --> 01:02:33,840 Disability is not the same as inability. 49 01:02:35,320 --> 01:02:37,960 Together, Sarthak Educational Trust and 50 01:02:37,960 --> 01:02:41,599 Optum are working to create a world without barriers 51 01:02:41,599 --> 01:02:43,760 to unlock opportunities for all. 52 01:02:50,039 --> 01:02:52,679 The organization's efforts show that with 53 01:02:52,679 --> 01:02:54,280 the right interventions, 54 01:02:54,280 --> 01:02:55,320 people with disabilities 55 01:02:55,320 --> 01:02:57,559 can add value to the workplace 56 01:02:57,559 --> 01:03:01,639 and help themselves become more independent.
