WINGS transforms lives of specially abled children through training and employment

The District Red Cross Society (DRCS) Hoshiarpur has emerged as a leader in social inclusion with its pioneering initiative WINGS—Wings to intellectually gifted stars.

Aimed at training, employing and empowering intellectually challenged and specially abled children, particularly those with autism and Down syndrome, the project has become a transformative model of dignity, livelihood and community integration.

In a short period, WINGS has not only changed individual lives but also reshaped public perceptions of the capabilities of special children when they receive structured training and a respectful work environment.

Launched under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner-cum-President Red Cross Hoshiarpur, Aashika Jain, WINGS has established a network of tuck-shops across educational and semi-commercial campuses. These shops are operated by trained special children who learn customer service, hospitality basics, hygiene management, cashless digital payments and routine shop operations.

The project is the outcome of months of detailed planning, including identifying suitable beneficiaries, developing structured training modules, conducting mock shop sessions, collaborating with professional institutes and mobilising CSR support. This integrated approach created a safe, practical and motivating space for children to practice real-world skills.

Currently, seven WINGS tuck-shops are functioning successfully at locations including Government College Hoshiarpur, ITI Hoshiarpur, Panjab University Regional Campus, the Red Cross Office, HIADS and the CSD Topchi Canteen. Serving thousands of students and staff daily with affordable tea, snacks and beverages, the shops are supported by an e-rickshaw delivery system deployed by DRCS to ensure smooth supply and product consistency.

Terming WINGS one of the district’s most socially impactful initiatives, Deputy Commissioner Jain said, “This project has empowered our specially abled children to become self-reliant, confident and socially integrated. The tuck-shops have not only offered them financial independence but have also reshaped societal attitudes towards their capabilities.”

Secretary, District Red Cross Hoshiarpur, Mangesh Sood—who has played a pivotal role in steering the programme—said the initiative has triggered unexpected social breakthroughs. “When a child who was once withdrawn now confidently hands over a tea or snack to a customer, that is not a sale—it is a moment of empowerment,” he said. He added that the goal was not just employment but building dignity and enhancing the visibility of special children in public spaces, which is shifting mind-sets every day.

Over the past two years, the children participating in WINGS have shown significant behavioural improvements, including enhanced communication skills, confidence, social interaction and a heightened sense of responsibility. Deputy Commissioner Jain noted that parents now feel more hopeful and proud of their children’s future, adding that the transformation proves that with the right training and opportunities, these children can contribute meaningfully to society.

With sales exceeding Rs 40 lakh in just 18 months, WINGS has demonstrated both social impact and economic sustainability. Encouraged by public support and CSR partnerships with Coca-Cola and Vardhman Group, DRCS plans to open four additional WINGS tuck-shops by the end of 2025.

Calling WINGS a movement rather than a project, Secretary Sood said it shows that inclusion is not charity but the creation of equal platforms. He expressed hope that every educational institution and corporate campus in Punjab would adopt similar initiatives.

The initiative has also earned significant state-level recognition. It received the State Award on Disability Day and was recently honoured with the State Red Cross Award by the Governor of Punjab, reflecting its transformative influence.

Deputy Commissioner Jain said the Hoshiarpur model should inspire statewide adoption, adding, “If every campus opens even one shop or canteen for autistic and intellectually challenged children, we can create hundreds of direct and dignified employment opportunities.”

Today, WINGS stands as a compelling example of how collaboration between government, civil society and compassionate communities can reshape lives. Beyond serving refreshments, the tuck-shops have evolved into spaces of learning, confidence-building, social interaction and dignity. The project continues to break barriers and integrate special children into the mainstream workforce, proving that inclusion supported by opportunity can indeed change lives.