For Dharmendra Kumar, finding a position in the workforce required the ability to navigate a world that was not always designed with him in mind. Deaf since birth, he learned to communicate through sign language at school and grew up finding his own ways to navigate everyday life.

After completing school and a course at the Industrial Training Institute, he spent a year at home before deciding it was time to look for work. An opportunity via with Flipkart’s eDAB (eKartians with Disabilities) program in Gurugram took him to a new place for the very first time. Read his story to know how Dharmendra is learning to become independent while pursuing his dreams.

Building Independence Through Work

My name is Dharmendra Kumar. I am 23 years old, and I am from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

I was born deaf and I learned sign language at school. At home, my sister understands some sign language, but my parents and brothers do not understand much.

After my studies, I stayed at home for about a year. But I’m ambitious. I started getting restless and worried about what I would do next. One of my friends told me there was a job at a Flipkart warehouse in Sanpka, Haryana.

I was thrilled when I got the job!

Coming to Gurugram was the first time I had moved away from my family. But I was not scared. I had confidence, and I had taken training before, so I did not have any problem travelling or working.

I now live alone in a rented room near Sanpka. I used to stay with a friend, but now I manage on my own.

I have now been working at the Flipkart warehouse for about a year. I also worked during The Big Billion Days last year. It was an experience like no other.

I travel to work by bus, and I also travel on my own when I get the chance. I like travelling. I have gone to Delhi, the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. If I get stuck somewhere, I can type on my phone and show people what I need. I also use the internet effectively to get around - maps for example - to find my way.

I love to cook - rice, potato curry, you name it. I learned when I was 12 by watching my mother.

Being away from my family for so long is difficult. I have not gone home for seven months, and I want to go home and see them. When I get a call from home, I try to make them understand that I am coming. They get upset because they want to see me in person, but I tell them I will visit them soon.

I earn more here with Flipkart than I did in Kanpur, which is one reason I continue working here. I have a goal for myself. I want to save money for my wedding. My sister also wants me to continue my studies, so I am working towards that as well.

I came here because I wanted to work. But I also learnt how to live on my own and take care of myself. And I want to keep saving for the future I have in mind.

Sign language interpreter for this interview: Sonu Kumar, Sanpka Fulfillment Center, Haryana. Read about Sonu’s journey here.