Chennai, January 2025: The WOrkshop for the Rehabilitation and Training of the Handicapped (WORTH) Trust, a pioneer in empowering differently abled people, celebrated its Diamond Jubilee, marking six decades of transformative impact. Commemorating this milestone, the trust unveiled a special book chronicling its inspiring journey of fostering inclusion, independence, and empowerment titled – The WORTH Trust Story – A Saga of enabling the differently-abled. The book was unveiled by Mr. C. Antonysamy, Patron and Former Managing Director, WORTH Trust. The grand book launch witnessed the presence of the renowned columnist, music historian, and heritage connoisseur, Mr. Sriram V who also authored the legacy book; accompanied by Mr. Harish Lakshman, Chairman of WORTH Trust alongside several other dignitaries.
Following the unveiling, the book was presented by Mr. R. Parthasarathy, Former Chairman, WORTH Trust to Mr. C Antonysamy, Patron and Former Managing Director, WORTH Trust, Mr. Ranjit Pratap, Former Chairman, WORTH Trust handed the book over to Mr. MV Subbiah, Patron and Former Chairman, WORTH Trust while Mr. Harish Lakshman, Chairman, WORTH Trust presented it to Mr. Viji Santhanam, Patron, Former Chairman of WORTH Trust.
The book features a heartfelt prelude by the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru MK Stalin, who highlighted the trust’s dedicated service in the rehabilitation, education, training, employment and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mr. Harish Lakshman, Chairman, WORTH Trust, said, “Sixty years ago, WORTH Trust embarked on a journey to empower differently abled people, and today, we stand as a testament to their indomitable spirit. This book is more than a chronicle of the history—it is a celebration of lives transformed, a symbol of what inclusion truly means. It showcases the incredible resilience of individuals who turned challenges into opportunities and became role models for society. As we celebrate this milestone, our vision for the future remains steadfast: to expand Trust’s reach and continue creating pathways for dignity and self-reliance. The trust’s legacy is a shared achievement, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every stakeholder, beneficiary, and supporter who made this journey possible.”
Adding to this, Mr Sriram V, renowned columnist, music historian, heritage connoisseur and the author of the book, said, “Documenting WORTH Trust’s journey was an inspiring experience. The stories of courage and determination woven through this book highlight how a collective mission can redefine societal perceptions. I believe this book will serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for a more inclusive future.”
Founded in 1965, WORTH Trust has been at the forefront of rehabilitation and vocational training for the differently abled. Over the years, the trust has established training centers, production units, and educational initiatives that empower individuals to lead independent and dignified lives. The book encapsulates this six-decade journey, emphasizing milestones such as the establishment of skill development centers catering to
trades like engineering, welding, horticulture and Smart Phone Technician cum App Tester; the development of inclusive employment models that integrate the differently abled into the mainstream workforce; and community outreach programs that have provided aids & appliances, educational and medical support to the Differently Abled.
The celebration, held in Chennai, brought together dignitaries, stakeholders, alumni, and supporters from across the country. The event honored WORTH Trust’s legacy of reshaping societal perceptions about disability and creating pathways for individuals to lead dignified, self-reliant lives.
About WORTH Trust:
WOrkshop for the Rehabilitation and Training of the Handicapped (WORTH) was established in 1963 by the Swedish Red Cross with the objective of rehabilitating leprosy cured persons generally ostracized by society, through industrial training and employment. WORTH Trust today, is a Fully Self-sustained Rehabilitation Organization. The production centers, which employ mostly persons with disabilities, enable them to generate a surplus, with which the entire cost of its Technical Training Centers for the Speech & Hearing Impaired and Physically Challenged boys and girls, School for Speech and Hearing Impaired children, Early Intervention Centre for the Speech & Hearing Impaired Infants, Early Intervention Centre for Infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Day Activity Centre for the Intellectually Challenged children, Arts & Crafts Centre for the Intellectually Challenged and outreach activities are met. Registered as a charitable Trust, WORTH is managed by a Board of Trustees made up of eminent persons in diverse fields, united in their common interest in the service of persons with disabilities.
