Archana Chandra : Bridging Gaps for People with Disabilities

Archana Chandra: A Journey of Compassion and Impact

Archana Chandra : In a world where compassion, innovation, and dedication can bring about profound change, Archana Chandra stands as a shining example of a leader who has dedicated her life to making a difference. As the CEO and Board Member of Jai Vakeel Foundation & Research Centre, one of India’s oldest and largest NGOs empowering Persons with Intellectual Disability (IDD), Archana Chandra has embarked on a journey filled with purpose, impact, and inspiration.

The Remarkable Journey of Archana Chandra

Archana Chandra’s journey to her current role is a testament to her unwavering commitment to social development. Before assuming her current position, she accumulated valuable experience in marketing, PR, and HR roles at The Akanksha Foundation, Informix (a division of IBM), and Bennett & Coleman. However, her true calling emerged when she joined the Jai Vakeel Foundation.

Her journey with the Jai Vakeel Foundation began as a volunteer over a decade ago. During this time, she worked closely with Mrs. Shroff, gaining valuable insights into what it takes to transform the lives of students with intellectual disabilities.

Today, as the CEO, Archana Chandra continues the legacy of placing children at the core of their mission, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Archana Chandra’s leadership is characterized by her ability to leverage the organization’s core competencies and strengths, along with the support of partners, volunteers, and government initiatives, to make a meaningful impact. She attributes much of the organization’s success to the passionate and dedicated volunteers who hold key positions in Jai Vakeel, further propelling their mission to greater heights.

A Vision of Inclusivity

Archana Chandra’s vision extends beyond her role as CEO of Jai Vakeel Foundation. She recognizes the challenges faced by those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and believes in the power of inclusivity. In a country where 2% of the population, or 1 in every 50 individuals, grapple with IDD, Archana Chandra seeks to change the narrative.

She firmly believes that the true magic begins when society fully accepts and integrates the most vulnerable individuals. This perspective is rooted in her understanding that changes in perception and attitudes ultimately drive meaningful actions. Archana Chandra’s dedication to inclusivity is not just limited to words; it’s a lived experience.

Sunshine Cafe: Illuminating Lives

One of the most tangible manifestations of Archana Chandra’s commitment to inclusivity is the Sunshine Cafe, a heartwarming initiative by the Jai Vakeel Foundation & Research Centre. Nestled in the heart of Sewri, Mumbai, this cafe is more than just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity.

The Sunshine Cafe was conceived as a platform to impart marketable skills to students with intellectual disabilities. It offers on-the-job training, instilling soft skills such as customer service, hygiene, time management, problem-solving, and communication. The curriculum is designed to accommodate the individual pace of each student, allowing them to focus on areas where they need additional support.

This initiative extends to various aspects of the hospitality industry, including cooking, baking, and management. The ultimate goal is to challenge societal perceptions about individuals with IDD and provide them with opportunities to become productive and contributing members of society.

Community Integration Program (CIP): Bridging the Gap

The Community Integration Program (CIP) is another pioneering initiative championed by Archana Chandra. It was initiated four years ago with the aim of:

  1. Raising awareness in society about people with disabilities and their untapped potential.
  2. Empowering students to interact and thrive in society independently.
  3. Creating equal opportunities for recreation, job placements, and more.
  4. Mitigating the impact of socio-economic factors on inclusion.
  5. Equipping parents with the confidence and skills to engage actively in society and advocate for their children.

The CIP exposes children to various social experiences, including visits to amusement parks, art festivals, mainstream private schools’ fun fairs, theatre performances, cinemas, and even the zoo. These opportunities enable students to engage equally within society and enhance their overall development.

A Successful First Step: Sunshine Cafe’s Debut

The recent launch of Sunshine Cafe was met with resounding success. The cafe, which featured a menu prepared entirely by students under the guidance of staff members, saw all its items sold out within an hour.

Archana Chandra highlights that the cafe experience allowed the students to step up and take responsibility, providing them with a sense of maturity and accomplishment. Parents were equally impressed, witnessing their children confidently handle transactions and deliver exceptional service.

Also Read : Baskar Subramanian : The Visionary Behind AMAGI

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