Physically challenged e-rickshaw driver makes low cost masks for a living during lockdown

While countrywide lockdown has rendered a large number of people jobless, a 45-year-old physically challenged man has found a ble way of earning a livelihood and also helping people in dealing with coronavirus. Sajid, an e-rickshaw driver, was struggling to make ends meet after lockdown was anunced in wake of pandemic. However, he found encourment in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in which he asked everyone to use masks, even those made at home. With help of his family members, Sajid started stitching face masks at home which he sells on tricycle provided to him by state government.

"Modi ji underlined need for wearing masks by all in country and encourd people to wear homemade masks. This gave me hope of reviving my means of livelihood and I thank Prime Minister for his advice on homemade masks,"  Sajid told PTI on Tuesday.

Since past one week, he has been moving around on his tricycle with stock of home-made reusable and washable face masks, selling m to people at a reasonable price of Rs 10 per piece. This enables him to earn around Rs 300-400 daily, which he says helps him provide food to his family.

While stiching masks, Sajid and his family members pay special attention to quality of fabric and also focus on sanitization and social distancing, both while making and selling m. When pointed out that masks manufactured by him are of good quality and could easily be sold in market at Rs 30-50 a piece, Sajid said he also wants to do social service through his small business.

"Had I been in a better financial condition, I would have distributed masks free of cost to poor but I am taking only Rs 10 per mask so that it can be bought by poor and needy and at same time also fulfil needs of my family," Sajid said, adding that he also makes small masks for children.

District Magistrate Shambhu Kumar praised Sajid's efforts, saying that people should take inspiration from him. DM also asked Sajid to take care of his health.