Ratna Krishnakumar’s ‘Srishti’ empowers differently-abled people in Munnar with Tata's aid

MUNNAR: Mallika, who was abandoned by her husband, came to Srishti Charitable Trust in Munnar’s Nallathanni at the age of 23 with her baby in her arms. Mallika, who is handicapped, got a job at the trust's Aranya cloth dyeing unit. 30 years later, Mallika has own residence, has travelled abroad, receives salary and only daughter Ramya studies in Ireland. Mallika is just one among the hundreds of lives that have turned colorful due to ‘Srishti’.

The three decades old dream of Tata Sons former director late RK Krishnakumar's wife Ratna Krishnakumar has become the hope for hundreds of differently-abled people. ‘Srishti’ was created by Ratna in 1991 with the support of Tata Trust and Tata Consumer Products for the differently abled. Today, they have six units. ‘Dare School’, which provides care and education to differently-abled children, is their notable work. There are 57 children aged 5 - 18 years. Most of them are children of plantation workers. Apart from studies, singing, dancing and cooking are also taught. Everything including food is free. After reaching 18 years of age, they will be transferred to any unit of Srishti. Other units are Athulya Paper Factory, Aranya Natural Garment Dyeing Unit, Vatika Vegetable - Fruit - Flower Garden, Nisarga Jam and Preservative Unit and Daily Bakery. 117 differently abled persons are working in all units. They are given good salary too. Most find partners here and live with their children.

Ratna, the founder and managing trustee of Srishti, comes to Munnar once in two months.

Training provided abroad

Most of the workers in the dyeing unit are trained abroad. Poonkani, Muthupechi, Japamani, Bhanumathi, Muthukumari and Muthulakshmi have participated in study classes in America, London, Japan, Paris and Malaysia. The employees of the Daily Bakery are trained by the chefs of the Mumbai Taj Hotel.

Paper from elephant dung

Athulya paper unit makes paper by drying and recycling the dung of elephants and using textile waste, eucalyptus leaves and tea waste. Flowers and leaves are also used to make paper bags, envelopes, writing pads and files.

“My happiness is to bring happiness in the lives of many people. They were given a chance to showcase their talents. They are living on their own.", said Ratna Krishnakumar (Managing Trustee, Srishti).