Biru is a member of the Ho community, an ethnic minority group in India. After contracting polio as a child, he lost mobility in one of his legs, which affected his independence, education, and employment prospects.
Biru taught himself how to repair bicycles by watching other people, but he never dreamed of using those skills to start his own business.
Biru was able to access an entrepreneurship and livelihoods training program, run by Caritas Australia’s partner, Caritas India. He gained the support and skills he needed to establish his own bicycle repair business. Participating in the program also helped Biru to apply for government disability and housing schemes.
Now, Biru is financially independent and can forge a path out of poverty for his four young daughters. He is a respected and essential member of his community, working as a bicycle and motorcycle mechanic to keep his neighbours, friends and families safe on the road.
Biru in the village. Photo: Sameer Bara Caritas. 
Caritas recipient Biru’s resilience and determination to overcome the odds has inspired others in his community who are living with a disability to become independent and self-reliant. Photo: Sameer Bara/Caritas India
His resilience and determination to overcome the odds has inspired others in his community who are living with a disability to become independent and self-reliant.
Please help support people like Biru and make a difference to the lives of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of society.
To donate to Project Compassion, visit Caritas Australia’s website: lent.caritas.org.au or call 1800 024 413.
This year, Caritas Australia is also encouraging supporters to run their own fundraising events. Learn more at fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/
Australia is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks in the world with 162 agencies operating in 200 countries and territories.