Enterprise
However , currently when the conversations are picking up pace in India , it is important to note that India is nowhere close to becoming universally inclusive . One of the earliest day-trips organised by Planet Abled was to Qutub Minar and the company hit its first hurdle because the washroom for the disabled was locked and nobody in the premises had a key for it . A year later , however , the washrooms in Qutub Minar are clean and open to visitors . While it may seem like a small feat , it happens to be a victory nevertheless for Arora . “ I faced similar problems when we went to religious places . I think overall , there is plenty of room to still work on for improvement ,’’ she believes .
It has been a journey like no other for Neha Arora and Planet Abled , as there are no previous set models that she could emulate and take lessons from , when she started out this venture . At the end of two years , Arora has 300 happy customers . Planet Abled organises both group tours and customised ones for people who wish to travel by themselves .
Name : Mohit Gupta Age : 30 Occupation : Family Business
Experience : Gupta , who is visually impaired , has gone on city tours with Planet Abled and participates in group interactions with all forms of disabilities .
Photo : gireesh gv
While the idea to set up a company was always in her mind , it was a matter of taking that step towards this exciting adventure trip of her own . After a nine year long career in the corporate sector with multinational companies , she took the plunge to strike out on her own . Like all entrepreneurs , she too was assailed with some doubts , but starting from her first city trip to this day , the numbers have not disappointed her .
“ While I was working with other companies , I spent time doing my research and took up job profiles that allowed me to learn more with my future venture in mind . I enjoyed high salary that my work permitted and I saved portions from it . When I launched Planet Abled , I was very well prepared despite the nerves . I relied on savings and on grants from fellowships that I had taken up . It gives me immense satisfaction to meet so many of my clients and hear their stories and learn about them and my own self ,’’ she explains humbly .
Mohit Gupta is an old customer of Planet Abled , is all praises and plans to go on his first solo trip next year . He wants to gift himself a fun trip with the help of Planet Abled , as he is visually impaired . He is among many who have expressed how Planet Abled has helped them get out more and make new friends . “ My family has always been protective of me but I informed them about my decision to travel and they have been very supportive . Neha also personally spoke to my family and gave them confidence to support my decision to travel without family . It would be my first trip of this kind ,’’ says the 30-year-old .
For Arora , this is personal because several times she has to handhold people , both literally and metaphorically . When most of her clients decide to take the plunge to step out for trips , their parents worry about these decisions . “ I speak to families as they worry for very obvious reasons , I help them see that we are here to take care of everything . I even encourage them to come for trips , workshops and for our in-city gatherings ,’’ she explains .
Another avid traveller is Pranav Lal . He is fairly famous in his own right , delivering TED Talks and being written about in the media . Lal is well known for being a blind photographer and writer . He is very profound in his selection of words when it comes to expressing himself , “ I really enjoy the visual
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Outlook Money December 2017 www . outlookmoney . com