Amogh Vartha-April 2026

Stitching Purpose into Every School Bag

At Amogh, some orders are more than just production targets, they carry purpose in every stitch.

We are currently working on an order of 250 school bags for the MASS organisation in Belgaum. While the scale itself is meaningful, what makes this project truly special is the lives it will touch. MASS has been doing deeply impactful work with the Ex-Devadasi community, supporting women and their children towards dignity, independence, and opportunity. Through this initiative, these school bags will reach children stepping into classrooms with hope and determination, where even something as simple as a sturdy bag can quietly remove barriers to attending school with confidence.

What makes this project even more meaningful is the journey of how these bags come together. The materials being used are up-cycled fabrics, thoughtfully sourced from leftover furnishing and curtain materials, giving new life to what would otherwise go to waste. And while our students may not be stitching the bags end-to-end, they are deeply involved in the process, contributing in every way possible, from cutting zips and preparing components to fitting straps into buckles and finishing each bag for dispatch. Every step becomes an opportunity to participate, to learn, and to take ownership.

Managing an order of this size comes with its own responsibility, right from ensuring consistency in quality to timely delivery for the academic season. But beyond the logistics, there is a deeper sense of purpose that drives the team.

Each bag we create is not just a product, it becomes a companion in a child’s journey of learning, growth, and possibility.

And that is what makes this work truly meaningful.

Stepping Out, Growing Within

In February, our boys set out on an overnight exposure visit to Anugraha Trust, Hosur, an experience that was thoughtfully planned and carefully executed. Anugraha Trust is a sheltered residential facility for persons with disabilities, offering a structured and supportive environment under the guidance of experienced trustees and caregivers. The residents stay in shared accommodation, typically three to a room, and have access to skill-building and engagement activities that encourage independence within a safe framework.

The visit was preceded by a recce and detailed planning around transport, food, and scheduling, with close attention to the individual needs and temperaments of each participant. Once there, the group settled into the environment with relative ease, adapting to the shared living setup and participating in the routine of the space.

There were noticeable shifts over the course of the visit. Participants spent more time engaging with one another, conversations became more frequent, and there was a visible increase in comfort within the group. In some cases, individual changes stood out, Siju, for instance, appeared more interactive and expressive than usual. The group also managed themselves with a fair degree of responsibility, showing an ability to navigate the setting with growing independence while supporting one another when needed.

Exposure to a new environment, even for a short duration, can often reveal capabilities that remain less visible in familiar settings.

The visit also offered useful insights into individual behaviours, social responses, and adaptability, learnings that will help us better support each participant going forward. Feedback from parents has been positive, and there is already interest among participants for similar visits in the future.

Opening New Pathways Through Digitization Training

Meaningful engagement has the ability to shift perspective even within the most confined environments. For individuals in correctional settings, access to structured work and learning can bring a sense of routine, dignity, and the possibility of looking at the future differently.

In the third week of February, the team from Amogh’s digitization section travelled to Ahmedabad to conduct a training program at Sabarmati Central Jail. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with a partner NGO working towards the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners by engaging them in purposeful activities.

Working within the constraints of a high-security environment where all personal belongings and electronic devices had to be deposited before entry the team conducted sessions focused on digitising Hindi books. Over three days, seven inmates were trained across all modules, with an emphasis on building both technical skills and process understanding.

The participants engaged well throughout the sessions, demonstrating good baseline computer knowledge and a steady ability to grasp the requirements of Hindi typing and digitization workflows. Over the course of the training, there was visible improvement in both speed and accuracy, along with increasing confidence in handling the work independently.

The most encouraging outcome has been their ability to begin proofreading Hindi books on their own marking a shift from guided learning to independent contribution.

The experience reinforces a simple but important idea when individuals are given the opportunity to engage meaningfully, they are able to build skills, take ownership, and move towards more constructive paths, regardless of their circumstances.

Building a Collective Voice: Parents Forum @ Amogh.

Behind every person with a disability is a journey that extends far beyond the individual—into families who are constantly navigating questions that don’t always have clear answers. Questions around independence, long-term care, financial security, and what a sustainable future could look like. Too often, these journeys unfold in isolation, with limited opportunities to learn from others walking a similar path.

The formation of the Parents Forum is a step towards changing that.

Initiated with close to 40 registrations—including participation from parents beyond the immediate Amogh community—the forum brings together families to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and gradually build a more informed and connected support system. The effort has been guided and supported by Mr. V. S. Basavaraju, former Commissioner for Disabilities, Government of Karnataka, whose involvement adds both direction and credibility to the initiative.

Through two gatherings held so far, the forum has brought together voices from across the ecosystem, including Ms. Sharbani Mallick, Founder of BGCT, along with Mr. Basavaraju. These interactions, along with learnings drawn from established parent groups such as SPLEND and MAYA, have helped anchor the forum in both lived experience and practical insight. A dedicated WhatsApp group has also been created to ensure continuity of conversations and engagement.

The discussions reflected the realities parents are grappling with—ranging from the need for stronger collective advocacy to influence policy, to the challenges around assisted living and its affordability. There were important conversations around planning for the future through trusts and wills, the limitations of relying solely on siblings for caregiving, and the constant balancing act

between protecting and empowering individuals. A recurring thread through it all was the importance of building independence early, in ways that are both realistic and sustainable.

What is beginning to take shape is not just a forum, but a collective voice—one that can share, question, support, and gradually influence the ecosystem around it.

As the forum evolves, the focus will be on strengthening this network further—through participation in experiential initiatives such as the upcoming camp near Doddaballapur, continued collaboration with other parent groups, and working towards defining a clearer roadmap for the journey ahead.

Sarala: The Rhythm Behind the Work.

If you notice a quiet burst of energy arriving at Amogh each morning, it’s likely Sarala—after travelling nearly 30 km each way, every single day, for the past many years. For her, it’s simply part of showing up.

Her journey into bag making began with curiosity. While working in accounts at a previous organisation, she would spend her breaks observing others at work. Over time, that curiosity turned into skill, and today, she anchors the Bag Making Department at Amogh.

Sarala brings a rare mix of discipline and care to everything she does. She manages production with consistency, supports multiple units when needed, and works closely with students—breaking tasks into simple steps so that everyone can participate meaningfully.

For Sarala, work is not just about output—it is about showing up with responsibility, patience, and quiet commitment every single day.

Steady, dependable, and always willing to do more, she is an integral part of the rhythm that keeps Amogh moving forward.

Vishal Patil — In His Element

In the middle of Amogh’s everyday buzz, the weaving unit holds a different kind of energy—quieter, more focused. And at the centre of it is Vishal Patil.

Since joining in 2019, Vishal has explored different crafts, but it is at the loom where he truly comes into his own. The rhythmic motion of weaving seems to ground him, bringing a level of focus and precision that is rare to see. In that space, distractions fade, and his work speaks for itself—consistent, detailed, and carefully done.

Over time, Vishal has also developed a sharp eye for quality. He often notices the smallest errors in his peers’ work and steps in to help, making him not just a skilled weaver but also a quiet guide within the group.

Beyond the loom, Vishal thrives on structure. Fondly known as the “Talking Attendance,” he keeps track of who is present each day with remarkable accuracy and takes responsibility for updating calendars across the center.

His abilities extend well beyond Amogh. At home, he manages daily responsibilities with the same consistency—handling errands, organising tasks, and caring for animals with care and attention. Whether it’s navigating familiar routes independently or maintaining his own systems, Vishal shows a strong sense of ownership in everything he does.

For Vishal, focus is not just a skill—it is his way of engaging with the world.

His journey is a reminder that when the right environment meets the right rhythm, individuals don’t just participate—they excel, in their own unique way.