Chairperson of ARUNIM
In September 2008, the National Trust, a statutory body created through an act of Parliament, ‘The National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation And Multiple Disabilities Act 1999’, under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India, launched the Association for Rehabilitation under the National Trust Initiative in Marketing (ARUNIM) at the hands of then President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
ARUNIM was registered under Societies Registration Act 1865, and Ms. Sminu Jindal, MD of Jindal SAW, was nominated by Govt. of India, as its Chairperson. ARUNIM was created as an independent marketing federation to work for at least minimum wages for persons employed in sheltered, supported work environments, by facilitating skill development, innovative product designing and development, adaptations and mechanization where appropriate and feasible, quality assurance, and by marketing products made, using sound strategies in product, packaging, pricing, placing and promotions.
Ms. Sminu Jindal along Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Former President of India at the launch of ARUNIM |
At the launch of ARUNIM, Ms. Jindal had remarked "The commencement of ARUNIM marks yet another landmark initiative by the National Trust and is a very proud moment for everyone associated with this venture. This initiative is a step towards economic empowerment of persons with severe to profound disabilities who have limited opportunities for open placement. We would assist them in securing livelihood and capacity building through production of goods that are market-driven, making them competitive and market compatible."
Due to Mr. Jindal's leadership and involvement as the Chairperson of ARUNIM, she had contributed tremendously taking the annual turnover of the body from a meagre Rs. 3 lakh in the first year to Rs. 1 crore in a small span of time before she moved on to focus on accessibility.
Under her chairpersonship, the ARUNIM een won the prestigious ‘Zero Project Award’ for its contribution in economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.
E-3 Challenge
Arunim launched the E3 Challenge which stood for Economic, Enterprise and Empowerment in 2010.
This challenge further established success of people with multiple disabilities when given accessible environments. They not only generated self-employment but also created employment for others.
Under her chairpersonship, the ARUNIM een won the prestigious ‘Zero Project Award’ for its contribution in economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.
E-3 Challenge
Arunim launched the E3 Challenge which stood for Economic, Enterprise and Empowerment in 2010.
This challenge further established success of people with multiple disabilities when given accessible environments. They not only generated self-employment but also created employment for others.