Story of a Social Entrepreneurship

Callidai was founded in the year 1998 by Bhargav Sundaram a Post graduate in Business Management from PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore. Callidai has always been attracted by what technology could offer to people and the business has always been involved in businesses with futuristic technology.

Over the last 25 years Callidai Motor Works, has successfully developed many battery powered vehicles that have found markets in India and abroad. The products include : bicycles, tricycles, material handling vehicles, scooters and many types of off-road vehicles—ALL BATTERY POWERED. The organisation is also the first in India to manufacture electric (battery powered) wheelchairs and stairlifts for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. With customised mobility products, his businessCallidai Motor Works has touched the lives of over 40,000 persons with disabilities across all states in India.

Even from inception, Callidai has always been employing persons with disabilities. A significant number of employees com[prise such persons. Callidai not only employs but also provides training to such people who would like to set up their own businesses in area related to bicycles, tricycles, wheelchairs etc..

Callidai can be best described as what is popularly known as social entrepreneurship which means running a profitable business with social relevance. Callidai Motor Works has the capability of producing over one hundred thousand wheelchairs annually. The facility is also capable of manufacturing entire range of mobility equipment and lifts for use by persons with extreme mobility disorders.

Callidai’s close involvement with the persons with disabilities at work has made the organization a great empathiser of persons with restricted movement and it understands their strengths and their wants. “Wheelchair Trust of India”, an entity that has taken upon itself the responsibility to propagate the needs of persons with disabilities is funded by Callidai Motor Works. The Trust is determined not to restrict its activities locally and is keen in creating a national awareness of what could improve the lives of the persons with restricted mobility. The Trust distributes over a hundred high end powered wheelchairs at subsidised prices to less fortunate persons under its annual “Wheelchairs for all” programme.

Callidai is currently working on projects with Indian Railways and Metropolitan Transport Corporation, Chennai, to make trains and buses accessible for persons with restricted movement.