Our Story – Sarthak Educational Trust
In 2004, a life-altering moment shaped the course of thousands of lives in India. Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, then a practicing dentist, lost his vision due to macular degeneration.
While many would have seen this as the end of their professional journey, Dr. Aggarwal transformed this setback into a purposeful mission—choosing to rebuild not only for himself but for millions of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
The Birth of Sarthak (2008)
This conviction led to the birth of Sarthak Educational Trust in 2008 in Delhi. What began as a small effort to provide skill training and employment support has grown into a nationwide movement.
Through a holistic ecosystem of early intervention, inclusive education, skilling, digital inclusion, and employment support, Sarthak has touched thousands of lives.
The Early Days: Planting Seeds of Inclusion
Sarthak started by offering basic vocational training and placement support to PwDs in Delhi. Early partnerships with corporates like Lemon Tree Hotels gave the first breakthrough.
By 2012, with support from Capgemini and NSDC, Sarthak began replicating its model in other cities—expanding opportunities in retail, hospitality, IT, and emerging sectors.
From Services to Systems
Sarthak realized that training centers alone were not enough. A systemic approach was needed—ranging from Early Intervention Centers to advocacy campaigns and inclusive corporate training.
Digital platforms like CapSarathi, RozgarSarathi, and GyanSarathi broadened accessibility. By 2020, Sarthak had 30+ centers nationwide, empowering over 1,00,000 PwDs with dignity and independence.
A Global Outlook
Sarthak is also the nerve center of the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), which showcases the skills of PwDs through national and international competitions.
At the 2023 International Abilympics in Metz, France, India secured 7 medals—proving the talent nurtured through Sarthak’s training and mentorship ecosystem.
Vision 2030
The Sarthak Global Resource Centre (SGRC), launched in 2023 in Gurugram, stands as a hub for research, advocacy, innovation, and training in disability inclusion.
Looking ahead, Sarthak Global University will create a specialized workforce—PwDs and professionals—while Abilympics 2025–27 will prepare India for global leadership.
A Movement Beyond an Organization
The journey has not been easy—societal prejudice and funding challenges tested resilience. Yet, Sarthak transformed obstacles into opportunities for change.
Today, Sarthak stands as a symbol of hope and inclusion, proving that when PwDs receive the right support, they don’t just survive—they thrive.
