KOCHI: Aravind, a 29-year-old man faces physical challenges as he cannot walk due to amputations in both legs. He also copes with kidney disease and urinary incontinence. Nonetheless, he has found hope and financial stability by selling khadi dhotis online earning an average of Rs 20,000 per month.

Aravind, the only son of Anilkumar and Vimala Devi, resides in Panavalli Vijaya Mandir. Despite his physical disabilities, he persevered and completed his higher secondary education at home. His family relies on his father's income from wage labour.

Aravind's medical treatment, especially during his childhood, incurred substantial expenses. The family resides in a small house provided by the Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana on a 10-cent plot of land. When their economic situation became more challenging, they needed to seek additional income.

During this time, a friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, brought Aravind 10 khadi dhotis from the Palakkad textile mill. Aravind posted a small note on Facebook to sell them. His first sales were conducted offline, with some of his neighbours purchasing these dhotis. To expand, Aravind borrowed more money and promoted his cause on Facebook. Many kind-hearted people who learned about Aravind's circumstances shared his post leading to it going viral.

With support from the online community, Aravind's business blossomed. The dhotis sold quickly, and customers paid in advance through Google Pay. Aravind's mother and grandmother assisted in packaging the dhotis. Friends helped write down addresses and delivered the parcels to the Cherthala post office which is located 17 kilometres away. They also took care of delivering parcels from Palakkad to customers' homes.

Aravind's future aspiration is to establish a business named 'Bhavani Textiles,' in honour of his grandmother. He sells khadi single dhotis for Rs 150 each with an additional Rs 40 for postage. You can find his Facebook page under 'Aravind Panavalli.'