A chance order by a staff at his vocational centre became a business venture for Kabir Kumtha, a young man with autism. Parul Kumtha, Kabir's mom, founder trustee of Forum for Autism tells us about Kabir's Kreations and helps us with interviewing Kabir himself.
1. Tell us about Kabir.
Kabir is a young man with autism. He loves meeting people and going to new places with his family and friends. He is passionate about music and knows thousands of songs and tunes from all genres and all parts of the world. He likes to attend live concerts and he can pick up a tune in one listening. Kabir is also loves swimming. He has been working at The Anchorage Sheltered Workshop for Special Adults for eight years now, since he was eighteen.
2. How did he get started with making torans?
Kabir has been making torans since he was 10-12 years old, with me, for festivals at home, namely, Dassera and Diwali. It was a chance order by a staff aid at his Vocational Centre this year, that got us thinking of the possibility of this as a business venture. No sooner had we put up the announcement of 'Kabir's Kreations' than he was inundated with orders ... right up to Diwali.
3. What were the other vocational activities he has done. Tell us a bit more about his school and learning background
At his workshop, which he attends for a half day, they have assembly and packaging job work involving paper folding, making of paper bags, clothes tags, sockets, etc.. Kabir does all of these over his work week.
Kabir attended regular pre-school until he turned seven. After that, he has been in several special schools until he turned eighteen. He is fairly competent with his daily living skills and can picture read a few words.
4. How does making torans help him emotionally?
Torans have been manifestations of celebrations for Kabir and for our family. Kabir has always enjoyed making them, since torans indicate good times ahead. In his business venture, Kabir enjoys making torans for many more reasons. We tell him who they are for and what the occasion is. He likes to travel to his customers' homes with his packed torans in his delivery bag and hand them over himself. The appreciation, often accompanied by a cup of tea - which is his most favorite thing in the world, gives him the satisfaction of a job well done. He looks forward to his next assignment and the excitement to meeting new people and exploring new surroundings.
5. How can people order from Kabir Kreations? How is delivery handled?
Torans can be ordered over whatsapp or sms ONLY to +91 981903616 or +91 9930275026 or in a private message on the fb page of Kabir's Kreations
6. What are the areas that he needs help with?
Kabir needs help purchasing the flowers, working out new patterns and travelling to his customer's place for the delivery. The payment is collected by Kabir, but the math is done by his parents/managers.
7. Are there any plans to expand this initiative by bringing in other adults with autism or any other disability?
Yes, most certainly. It is just a month old and we are still exploring the possibilities, while Kabir finds his feet in this new venture.
Questions for Kabir Kumtha
Kabir has answered most of these in yes/no answers. They have been elaborated by Parul based on the context.
a. Why do you like to make torans?
....because
b. Do you like to know where it will be put up?
My mama and baba tell me .... but I know for certain when I visit the home and later when the aunty or uncle share photos of my torans up!
c. How many can you make in a day?
Five for now
d. Do you have a favourite flower?
jhendu is such fun to work with (marigold)
Read: Interning at a 5 Star Hotel
