Life Sketch - Minakshi Rajaram Nikam
Minakshi Rajaram Nikam: A Life of Resilience and Empowerment
Born on August 8, 1973, Minakshi was afflicted with severe polio at age two, resulting in the loss of both legs. Her family's poverty and rural background hindered timely medical aid. Despite this, Minakshi persevered, completing her education through private exams.
At 14, Minakshi lost her father, leaving her family helpless. Her mother was illiterate, and she had two younger brothers and two younger sisters. Undeterred, Minakshi took on the responsibility of caring for her family.
Minakshi started sewing work with a hand sewing machine, educating her siblings while earning a livelihood. Today, her brothers are well-educated and settled, and her sisters are married with happy families.
Beyond her family, Minakshi empowers other handicapped individuals and women through:
1. Raj Classes: A training institution for handicrafts and sewing, benefiting over 2,000 women.
2. SWAYAMDEEP (2016): Training 20 girls with disabilities, enabling them to earn a living.
3. Swayamdeep Women Association: A 25,000 sq.ft. garment factory providing perpetual employment to 200 differently abled and destitute women.
Minakshi's contributions extend to:
- Rehabilitation programs and training camps for handicaps.
- Exhibitions showcasing disabled artists' work.
- Senate Member, North Maharashtra University Jalgaon.
- Co-editor, weekly magazine "APANG SHRUMTI" for social awareness.
- Published poetic collection "VYATHA" highlighting disabled suffering.
- Providing free medical aids and support systems.
- Writing articles and delivering lectures on disability awareness and empowerment.
Now, Minakshi dedicates her life to empowering disabled and underprivileged women through counseling, motivation, training, and employment, enabling them to live with self-respect.
