Mr. Mahalingam’s life took a drastic turn when he faced the challenges of being ortho disabled, with a wife and two children to support. Despite his physical limitations, he tirelessly sold food on the platform near Sidco Industrial Estate in Guindy, earning a meager income that barely sustained his family’s needs.

In the midst of his struggle, hope dawned upon Mr. Mahalingam when he was identified by the Tamil Nadu Differently Abled Federation Charitable Trust (TNDFCT) under the Mobile Cart Livelihood Project, a noble initiative supported by Ford Motor Pvt Ltd as part of their CSR efforts. Recognizing his potential and the need for sustainable livelihood opportunities, Mr.Mahalingam was provided with entrepreneurial skill training to run a small shop.

Armed with new found knowledge and determination, Mr. Mahalingam embarked on a journey towards entrepreneurship. Leveraging his previous experience and skills, he set up a tiffin center in the same location at Sidco Industrial Estate Guindy. With the support of TNDFCT and Ford Motor Pvt Ltd, he was equipped with a mobile cart and received working capital support of Rs. 10,000 in cash to kickstart his venture.

Mr. Mahalingam’s perseverance paid off as his tiffin center flourished, attracting a growing number of customers. Today, he sells more than 3500 tiffins a day, earning a steady income of at least Rs. 1000 daily. This remarkable success not only ensures the financial stability of his family but also fills his heart with pride and satisfaction.

The impact of Mr. Mahalingam’s transformation extends beyond economic empowerment. He has become an inspiration to others, proving that disability is not a barrier to success when coupled with determination and opportunity. His story is a shining example of how corporate social responsibility initiatives, like that of Ford Motor Pvt Ltd, can change lives and uplift communities.

As Mr. Mahalingam looks back on his journey, he does so with gratitude for the support he received and with a newfound sense of empowerment. His story serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges, reminding them that with resilience and support, anything is possible.