Gurugram: The Shikhar Dhawan Foundation (SDF), with support from Maersk, a global leader in container shipping, has enabled over ₹33 lakh in livelihood earnings within the first year through its initiative, Livelihood On Wheels (LOW), empowering specially-abled individuals across North India with sustainable income opportunities.
A key driver of income generation under the initiative is its structured employment linkage. All beneficiaries are enrolled through Project ZEAL, with Zomato as the delivery rider partner, enabling immediate access to livelihood opportunities. Supported by on-boarding, training and continuous operational assistance, the model ensures beneficiaries can earn consistently and independently.
Guided by the vision of Arjuna Awardee and India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, Livelihood On Wheels is built on the belief that mobility and access to opportunity are essential to dignity and inclusion. The programme enables persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in the workforce through practical, outcome-driven livelihood pathways.
Anshita Gupta, CEO, Da One Group, said, “With the support of Maersk, we are pleased to partner with Zomato’s Project ZEAL to add yet another game-changing initiative under our Livelihood On Wheels programme. We recognise that sustainable initiatives require solutions that work on ground. In conjunction with our partners, we have succeeded in bringing together adaptive technology, employment linkages and long-term support to create a model that is both impactful and scalable.”
Sophie Shine, COO, Da One Group, added, “At the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, we believe that creating livelihood for individuals is the strongest form of empowerment. Livelihood On Wheels is about eliminating the fundamental barrier of mobility and replacing it with opportunity. By combining innovation, partnerships and purpose, we are enabling specially-abled individuals to build independent and dignified lives.”
The programme has successfully transformed the lives of 30 beneficiaries and their families, providing long-term financial independence. LOW focuses on individuals with severe mobility impairments who are often excluded from mainstream employment opportunities.
At the core of the initiative is an innovative mobility solution. Following detailed clinical assessments, beneficiaries are provided custom-tailored hybrid EV wheelchair-bike solutions. The adaptive mobility products, Neofly and Neobolt, have been developed by NeoMotion in collaboration with IIT Chennai, combining assistive technology with engineering innovation.
India is home to an estimated 26 million persons living with disabilities, yet less than 36 percent are part of the workforce. Through Livelihood On Wheels, the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation aims to bridge this gap by creating scalable pathways to income and dignity.