For this deaf couple, Dec is only month of income

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: The month of December will always be a month known for Christmas and the holiday vibe around it. For deaf and mute couple Saravanan and Rinda, who run a Christmas gift shop out of a makeshift shed near Holy Ghost Church on Davis Road, it is a month where they earn to put food on their table.

After Christmas, the family will run out of a source of income.

“We are looking for other means of businesses to fulfill Ronaldo’s (son) educational needs,” said Saravanan, who plans to try selling jute bags next.

The couple also pointed to the lack of opportunities for people like them.

“Enterprises and small companies don’t think we’re qualified for jobs, this makes it difficult to sustain ourselves,” Saravanan told News Trail.

After his dismal stint at a private company, crafting had caught his attention, prompting the 45-year-old to start the shop 16 years ago.

“I liked how decorations out of wood and glass were being made, and I’ve seen shops do well because of it.” he added.

Along with him was his childhood sweetheart Rinda Rodrgiues who had supported his cause since then.

“At first I was skeptical, but eventually with my sales pitches, we were able to attract customers,” she said.

For the couple, their 15-year-old son Ronaldo bridges the gap for customers.

“I learnt sign language with continued interaction with them,” said the lad who has a good hold on both American and Indian sign language.

“The year-end holidays bring me here and helping them on creating and selling is good. The products range from cribs, lights and other decoration items, which are sold for as low as Rs.20 to Rs.4,500, which are all made out of wood and ceramic.

“This year, we’ve had customers come all the way from the airport and other ends of the city!,” Ronaldo claimed.