B’luru: A store that gives a new dimension and meaning for Aase (DESIRE)

Press Release, Jun 4, 2023, 11:36 AM IST

Aase, a first-of-its-kind retail unit of products made by people with special needs and women from disadvantaged background was inaugurated on  June 3 at Chiranthana premises. The store was inaugurated by Mr. Kiran D.M, Sous Sherpa, Civil 20 and senior consultant at National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

It is a first-of-its-kind retail unit in the north of Bengaluru where the shop will be run by people with special needs. Aase products are made by underprivileged women and parents of special needs children at Gubbi. The products are then block printed in the unit at Bengaluru by people with special needs. The retail unit of Aase will help provide employment to people with special needs and help create a sustainable setup.

Speaking on the occasion, Rachana Prasad, the founder of Chirantana said, “Aase, (Special minds dream, special hands create) a Chiranthana initiative engages people with special needs/disabilities to create beautiful handmade products. This initiative is to create employment and support these individuals to enable them to integrate into our society. We are currently impacting the lives of around 30 beneficiaries and have our presence in Bengaluru urban and Gubbi rural. Around 15 of them have been employed at Gubbi and 15 people with special needs are employed at Bengaluru. Chiranthana is impacting the lives of these women by providing employment and financial stability. They have been trained on Macrame, Crochet , embroidery , and tailoring.

“We wish to make this into a sustainable retail store that helps artists with special needs. We are looking at a wider reach and spread so that people can avail our services” concluded Rachana.

About Chirantana
Chiranthana a not-for-profit organisation working with people with special needs. It works with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and other learning disabilities. This segment has been highly neglected and therefore its been the mission to help them earn a living.