#BeBoldForChange. Support KHAAS: A Travel Agency Run By Blind Girls

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Khaas Travels : Creating opportunities for the marginalised

About KHAAS
Khaas is India’s first travel company run by blind women and acid-attack survivors only. Khaas manager and founder, Akash Bhardwaj wants to train and employ more blind women, acid attack survivors, HIV positive people who have a lot to offer but often are passed on as candidates.

He believes this will bring the marginalized into the mainstream and create a successful business model. Khaas has five blind women who have undergone training using JAWS (Job Access With Speech), a screen reader software. They successfully manage all the in-house operations at Khaas.

How was Khaas created:

'Khaas' means special in Hindi was started with Akash's own funds in April, 2016. The idea came from a chance encounter with an acid-attack survivor that Akash had at the market. The said lady was selling balloons. Akash was very impressed by how well-spoken she was and her great marketing skills.

After the acid attack, her employer had shown her the door and her husband abandoned her. Having been a corporate trainer himself, he could see that she was full of potential and was very inspired to do better in her life.

He realised that qualified people like her - acid attack survivors, HIV positive people and visually impaired people - didn't need sympathy as much as some training and a safe, normal workspace. Thus, Khaas was born.

The Challenges:

- The current office space is not disabled-friendly i.e. it is extremely small and located on the fourth floor in a congested area.

- More staff and lesser computers. Essential softwares like JAWS are expensive and are a must for the girls to be able to use any screen devices.

- The above challenges mean, fewer clients are met directly affecting the company's income.

How your money will be utilized :

- Khaas will hire more employees and train them. Apart from blind people, acid-attack survivors and HIV positive people who will participate in closing more deals, thus generating more income for the company.

- A disabled-friendly office space for a staff of 30-40 people.

- Computers (laptop), phones and essential software’s for Khaas staff.

- A lady driver and a second-hand car to make travel convenient for our blind employees.

About the Founder:
Akash has over 12 years of experience in HR and Training. He has also worked as a freelance travel agent. Using his own funds, he started Khaas in April, 2016 with a view to provide a platform for marginalised people. He is training them further to meet clients and give presentations. He believes in imparting skills and providing them with tools to become self-reliant.

Khaas has been featured in 50+ media platforms and have also received the Karmaveer Chakra from Rex and iCongo United Nation.

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20th May 2017

Dear Supporters,

I am Radhika Aggarwal, a Fellow with Milaap. I have a really positive news to share with you all!

Your increasing support had motivated Akash, the founder of Khaas, to hunt for a new office which would provide a comfortable environment to his employees. With great contentment, he informed us that he successfully found a new space in Laxmi Nagar which he booked last month by paying a deposit of 67000 rupees. The rent per month will be 11000 rupees.

He devoted ample time in planning the structure of the office. “I wanted to provide an environment which is convenient for the employees. Instead of having tables and chairs, I arranged wooden settees and mattresses on a carpet flooring. Also, I have positioned an induction stove. The girls won’t have to order tea from outside,” said Akash. “The biggest plus is that unlike the previous office, the current space has an attached washroom,” he added.

Here are a few pictures of the new office:

Where there was one rented computer, he has now bought personal laptops for every employee. He even set up an LCD in office to educate the girls. “For an hour in the morning, I would want the girls to hear the news. In the evening, I will set a travel channel listening to which the girls will enhance their knowledge about several places,” said Akash.

The office is located on the main road in a commercial complex. Safety, which remained a major concern, is no longer an issue now. The gate is protected by a shutter which can be locked by the employees using a password. Also, Akash has invested 2-3 lakhs in CCTV installation.

Another great news is that Khaas has two new joinees, Anne and Ritu. A big thank you to all you donors for your overwhelming contribution. This growth would not have been possible without your support!!