VIVAN Life Sciences Blog
A Diana Award-recipient from Delhi, Tarini Malhotra (18) started Nai Subah Foundation when she was just 16 to help people with neurodiversity get jobs.
Currently studying in school, Tarini, now 18, says she was always encouraged to work for others’ well-being by her parents.
“In my school, we have some students who are neurodivergent and have disabilities. Spending time with them over many years made me sensitive to their needs and helped me understand the issues they face in society. This encouraged me to do something that would make a difference,” She says
Tarini shares that she has been working in the social sector from a very young age. “When I was in Class 8, I volunteered as a teacher for a free school that taught children at the banks of Yamuna,”
With a good amount of experience in the field, Tarini felt it was the right time for her to start her own foundation. “In October 2020, I started the Nai Subah Foundation and decided to focus on the well-being of the neurodivergent,” she says.
‘Leave no one behind’
The foundation works for the neurodivergent through various programmes.
Tarini explains, “The first thing that I wanted to do through the organization was to provide the neurodivergent with avenues of work. We help them get jobs in the corporate sector. We also conduct sensitization workshops so that they get assimilated into the space easily,” she says adding that the organization has collaborations with 50 companies.
Secondly, the organisation has assisted employment models to help those who cannot go to a workspace to work.
“For many people with neurodiversity, it is very difficult to go out of the house and work in an office environment. We outsource work from factories for them so they can work from home with ease. For example, we supply the materials needed to make boxes or packaging work, so they don’t have to face the stress of working in a factory,” she explains.
So far, the NGO has helped over 50 people secure jobs.
Following her discovery of the excellent artistic talents of neurodivergent people, she says, “We help artists find a platform by conducting exhibitions, both online and offline. This way, they get a chance to promote their work and get recognition. We also help them get orders; for instance, during Diwali, we try to secure orders for specially commissioned artworks of Lakhsmi and Ganesha.”
The organization has held two exhibitions so far and raised Rs 10 Lakh showcasing the artwork of 21 neurodivergent people from cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
“We are also mentoring four young neurodivergent photographers and helping them secure professional assignments,” she adds.
Among the many neurodivergent people Tarini has helped is Aditya Chandrashekhar, who works with Nippon Paint in Gurugram. “I have a degree in marketing and animation but could not find work. With the help of the organization, I was able to land an internship with Nippon Paints which is extended for a year now. I was very excited and a little nervous but eager to prove my skills. I work for eight hours every day and enjoy the workspace a lot,” he says.
Explaining how she comes in contact with the neurodivergent, she says, “The neurodivergent community is quite close-knit and always in touch. Most times, people hear about us from someone and show up on their own looking for work. If we are not approached, then we also have tie-ins with six other NGOs in and around Delhi NCR region who help us reach the remotest person who may need help.”
“Since I was a child, my parents and teachers have motivated me to find solutions to societal problems. I’ve always understood that regardless of my chosen career, improving society and ensuring inclusivity will remain an integral part of my life,” says Tarini.
“As for the future, we want to help neurodivergent entrepreneurs get funding and help them boost their ventures. This will not only uplift them but also uplift the people of their community,” she adds.
Reference: thebetterindia
