Overcoming challenges, one package at a time

33-year-old Vishal Sahani always dreamt of a time when he would be independent and able to contribute to his joint family. Born in Gorakhpur, Vishal has been dependent on family members ever since a childhood illness left his left side paralysed from the waist down. By becoming a partner with Amazon’s ‘I Have Space’ program, Vishal has been able to earn additional income and actively contribute to his family’s finances.

Twenty years ago, Vishal’s family, including his five siblings and father, moved to Lucknow from Gorakhpur in search of a better fortune. In a bid to become independent, he tried his hand at getting a government job and wrote several exams. He even completed stenography and shorthand courses to increase his chances of securing a stable job. However, these attempts were without success.

He decided to take charge of his future by starting his own business. Along with his brother he started a kites store, ‘Sonu Kite Centre’ in 2007. However, the business took a big hit following the outbreak of the pandemic even as Vishal’s financial needs mounted.

With no source of income, he was clueless about what to do next. It was at this point that he got to know about Amazon’s ‘I Have Space’ program through his nephew, who by then had been a delivery associate with an Amazon’s delivery service partner.

Vishal evaluated the opportunity, and after understanding the benefits of the program, he immediately signed up and became Amazon’s I Have Space partner in September 2020. Today, he runs his store but also delivers packages to Amazon customers in his free time.

“The additional income from the program has been a blessing for me. Over the past two years, it has not only helped me fulfill my financial responsibilities, but it has also supported me in building a better future for my children. I have never seen my physical limitations as a hindrance, and I continue to dream big. I believe that one should never give up and people with physical limitations should not feel demotivated. Instead, they should be determined to be independent and try to create a better life for themselves,” says Vishal. 

Vishal has been delivering packages on his special tricycle. He says, he wants to teach his children – two-year-old Mishti and four-year-old Swayam – the importance of being financially independent. He finds full support in his wife Chandravati, a homemaker. Vishal is now able to do his bit for his joint family.

Vishal is among the hundreds of persons with disability across Amazon India’s operations network. Through its onboarding and training programs, Amazon India is committed to helping PWD associates and partners release their true potential, while also empowering them achieve their goals towards realising their dreams.

Dr. Karuna Shankar Pande, Director, Amazon Logistics, India says, “Amazon India is committed towards building a diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) workforce and is empowering individuals from various walks of life. It is inspiring to see how Vishal Sahani has turned his life around with the support of the I Have Space program. He is a great example and a role model for others who does not believe in giving up in life.”

The ‘I Have Space’ program is a last-mile delivery program that Amazon India launched in 2015. The company partners with local stores and business owners, like Vishal, to deliver packages to customers within a two to four km radius of their store, allowing them to supplement their regular income. The program has more than 28,000 neighbourhood and kirana partners in close to 420 towns and cities across its network in India.

Wish to join the ‘I Have Space’ program or learn more about it? You may visit http://www.amazon.in/ihs.