Story of Asfaque Hussain

Early Life 

Asfaque Hussain is from Tangra in Kolkata, he is speech and hearing impaired. He belongs to a family of four and his father works in a small leather factory in Sealdah, Kolkata. Asfque has a younger brother and the family of 4 could barely survive comfortably on his father’s monthly income of 5000 INR. Asfaque wanted to study further, but the family’s economic condition didn’t allow him to pursue his education. As soon as he completed schooling at a special school for the hearing and speech impaired, Asfaque started looking out for a job, so he could support his family

Unfortunately for Asfaque, he could not find a job anywhere. So he started assisting his father at the leather factory. He would come home in the evening and help his brother with his studies. Asfaque would also help his mother out with the chores at home. This potential of helping everyone with all kinds of work, is what sets him apart!

Disability and its Challenges 

Asfaque was always mocked and ridiculed for his disability by his friends and relatives. This only fuelled his desire to make something out of his 1fe and silence all the naysayers. The cut throat, competitive world had no place or a school pass out which was productive and sustainable. Throw in disability, which only almost nullified Asfaque’s shot at a normal life.

Asfaque however had no plans of giving up. Not only did he crib even once about all his challenges, he also turned them into stepping stones for success! Till he found a job of his liking, he relentlessly worked at his father’s leather factory, every single day. This attitude of never giving up is exactly what helped him succeed in life.

Journey with Youth4Jobs 

It was thanks to Facebook that Asfaque discovered Youth4Jobs. He realised that this was exactly the opportunity he had been waiting for all along. Asfaque grasped the components of the training and gained knowledge about the retail sector. He also understood the potential job profiles in the sector and the scope for entrepreneurship among other factors. 

He took a lead of confidence and enrolled for the course. He honed his skills and became proficient. He additionally also learnt English and basic computer applications along with resume writing skills, theory and practical lessons. After his training, Asfaque would go to the leather factory and help his father there! This level of dedication is extremely rare.

Placement 

It was only fair that all of Asfaque’s hard work paid off after the training. He was placed at Spencer’s in Axis Mall Kolkata, with a salary of nearly 99,384 per year. He is an excellent employee and is very happy to be working. Asfaque’s hard work, attitude to learn something new and being receptive to learning will take him places. He currently works as a Sales Associate. He is all praise for the other members in his team, who have helped him settle down in his new role. He sees this as the first step toward fulfilling his dreams.

His parents are extremely happy as their son is now independent and can take care of himself while also providing for the family. His employers also have great things to say about him. Asfaque’s manager told our team that Asfaque is very positive and has a great attitude. His manager also mentioned that Asfaque is very energetic and puts a lot of effort at the workplace. 

Asfaque is one of the many successful aspirants to have benefitted from the Skill India Mission training initiative and we couldn’t be more proud of him!

Source: As published in ‘50 Stories- Jobs for Disabled in COVID Times’ book by Youth4Jobs Foundation