Disabled entrepreneur Pramod’s eco-friendly paper pens are a hit with his customers

Employment

Pramod V, who was diagnosed with polio, lives in Palakkad. He is unable to move both his legs and a hand. 35 year old Pramod is an entrepreneur who makes eco-friendly paper pens. He has customers from across Kerala and Tamil Nadu who are happy with the unique quality of Pramod’s paper pens. Pramod shows how to become independent and self-reliant in spite of the many odds in life.

“One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity”. Albert Schweitzer’s words are aptly suitable for Pramod V, a disabled entrepreneur from Palakkad, a small town in Kerala. Pramod, who is diagnosed with polio at a young age, has beaten all odds to start his own venture of making paper pens from which he earns a living. This 35 year old believes in living life on his own terms and not depending anyone. Pramod is a true example of how a person can be successful in spite of any hardships.

Pramod is unable to move both his legs and one hand. Due to accessibility problems as well as financial constraints in the family, Pramod could not pursue his studies. But since a very long time he wanted to support his ailing parents. A few months back, he came across a WhatsApp video on how to make paper pens. That is how he decided to try it out on his own.

My pens are special. I put a vegetable or fruit seed at the end of every pen. So when you discard or throw it off, it grows into a plant. This is my way of contributing to the environment. Moreover, I ensure that I do not compromise on the quality of the paper used for making pens. I have been getting good response for my pens and it makes me glad that more people are buying such eco-friendly products-Pramod V.

Though Pramod started this off as a business to earn some income, he is in love with what he does. “It is fun to learn new things. I love making these pens. More people are coming to know about it and they are also coming forward to buy them. I started posting them on my social media after which I got many customers”, says Pramod.

Each pen is priced at Rs 8. Pramod’s clientele from Chennai and Kerala loves his pens. He couriers pens upon request to any part of India. “The profit is not too great. But I have something to do which I can engage in every day”, he says.

Pramod makes up to 80 pens every day. “I know there are many people like me out there who are struggling to make ends meet. I have taught a handful of people on how to make these paper pens so that they can also earn a living. I would be glad to educate more people but I will be able to teach them only through phone because I have mobility issues. There were days when I felt sad and disheartened. The world was turning against me. But now I have a new ray of hope and things to look forward. I realised that it is best to look at things that you can do in life rather than being upset over what you don’t have”, says Pramod.

Ullas, who buys pens from Pramod often says what makes the pens unique is the top quality. “What attracted me to those pens are its eco-friendly factor. Pramod’s life is inspiring because in spite of his many limitations, he is doing something on his own. His venture also protects the environment. These are things which a person without a disability must have never thought”, he says.

You can contact Pramod at +91 98469-87779.

Also Read: Priyaja’s recyclable & eco-friendly paper pen unit empowers parents of children with disabilities