Silence Organization Profile

Through its formative years, Silence did depend on well-wishers and a few funding agencies for infrastructure like, construction of a workshop… procurement of an emporium for retail outlet… capital investments for mould equipments, certain manufacturing tools, etc.

Silence is happy that over the past 10 years or so, it has been able to meet most of its expenses for production, staff and property out of its own steadily growing sales. Silence gratefully acknowledges consistent, effective and continuing support of its overseas patrons and buyers.

Today, the team strength at Silence is about 100. During 2003 - 2004, the average income of a person with physical deficiency was around Rs.3250/- per month. The society's pay structure is humble at present, but it is definitely well laid out, with superannuation facilities for all. Apart from Provident Fund and Gratuity facilities, Silence has initiated a voluntary monthly savings scheme linked with Life Cover Policy of the Life Insurance Corporation of India. To cover medical exigencies and healthcare, Silence contributes to the State owned Employees’ Insurance Scheme. Silence also provides accident cover to all working members through another insurance scheme. Possibly, Silence is the only NGO in the world for the physically challenged which does not run on grants, charity or funding, but is self-reliant with its own income generation resources.

After a long journey of hardship, dedication and will to achieve excellence, Silence has today become a house of exclusive products.

Greeting Cards :
Hand-painted, hand-touched and hand-printed.
Candles, ornamental :
Smokeless and drip-free, with or without fragrance.
Incense Sticks :
With a wide range of natural and synthetic fragrances.
Woodcrafts :
Of high design, quality and precision.
Costume Jewellery :
To cater to the latest fashion trends.
Paper Masche :
Hand-painted decorative and / or utility items.
Stone :
Various attractive semi-precious gemstone items.
Wrought Iron :
Uniquely designed utility items.

People with some form of physical limitations, but unlimited in their enthusiasm, handcraft this array of products … each carrying a special artistic and æsthetic value. Call them ‘disabled’ no more. They have all proved to be ‘differently able’.

In response to the largely felt need of skill training for the physically challenged, Silence promoted the ‘Silence Training Institute’ (STI) in 1986. Every year, three different courses produce three fresh batches of skilled craftspersons in Art & Crafts, Computer Hardware and Data-Entry. With this added qualification, quite a few members get gainful employment, while others are absorbed by Silence in its own sheltered workshop.

Silence products are well accepted in domestic markets, but have also become an exciting and widely popular export custom. Operations in overseas markets were facilitated when IFAT - the International Federation for Alternative Trade, now known as International Fair Trade Association - was formed, and Silence became its full-fledged member in 1995-96.