About Oscar D

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Oscar D has created 9 blog entries.

Navigating Diwali Rush at Diya Innovations: A Masterclass in Operations, Logistics, and Teamwork

By |2024-10-15T09:20:32+00:00October 14th, 2024|Blog|

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans As the festive season approaches, let's reflect on the profound impact of shopping locally. When we choose local businesses, we're not just making a purchase - we're nurturing the very fabric of our community. Every year around Diwali, I step away from my corporate job to assist with the surge in orders at Diya Innovations. This annual tradition has provided me with invaluable insights into operations, logistics, and supply chain management in low tech environments. The challenge of handling a 10-fold increase in production is significant in any setting, but even more so when your team primarily consists of differently-abled individuals. However, the complexities involved and successes achieved are what make this experience so rewarding. Key Challenges Logistics: Handling orders during the Diwali season means dealing with multiple products—each requiring different materials, handling, and assembly processes. Take, for instance, a typical order as seen in the picture containing 10 products such as a wooden tray, a decorative T-light holder, coasters, terracotta diyas, chocolates, a brass container, a wooden toy, and more. 50% of the products are manufactured from scratch at Diya while the rest are sourced, assembled, and packaged here. Managing the logistics involves: Ordering raw materials in bulk at best rates while ensuring they arrive on time. Checking for quality and quantity discrepancies in every delivery for outsourced products. Processing items like chocolates, which need to be melted, refrigerated, molded, and packed under strict temperature controls. Similarly, dry fruits need to be precisely weighed as per the assortment into 100 gms packets and kept safe from pests. Additionally, anything involving custom branding must be approved by clients to avoid diluting their messaging.as well as securing approvals for printed items to ensure accurate client branding. Coordinating multiple components per order. With 20+ festive orders and about 10 products per order, each with multiple parts, that means tracking roughly 400 unique line items simultaneously. Time and Space Management: During peak production, space becomes a premium. There is the need for storage space for raw and packing materials, dedicated production areas, and room for packaging and final assembly. And on top of this , each type of product and each stage of production requires a diverse set of conditions  For perishable items like chocolates and dry fruits, we also have to ensure conditions are safe from pests. Additionally, items that require painting, such as wood products, need well-ventilated areas for drying.  The workspace has to accommodate chocolate production  that needs cooling, woodwork that requires ventilation, and teams that need unobstructed access, especially as many staff members use wheelchairs. The additional complication is that we share our space with Diya Foundation, which runs skill training programs for around 40 students. Their activities cannot be disrupted, adding another layer of complexity to managing our already-cramped workspace. Even though we begin Read Full Testimonial

The Power of Socially Conscious Employee Gifting: Boosting Morale and Building a Better World

By |2024-07-25T17:02:09+00:00July 25th, 2024|Blog|

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans In today's dynamic work environment, fostering a positive company culture is more crucial than ever. One effective strategy to enhance employee morale, improve team cohesion, and express appreciation is through thoughtful and socially conscious employee gifting. A well-executed gifting strategy not only makes your employees feel valued and recognized but also contributes to building a more equitable world. Gifting Magic: Unleashing Workplace Positivity Boosts Morale and Motivation: Recognizing employees' hard work and achievements with thoughtful gifts significantly boosts their morale and motivation. Appreciated employees are more likely to stay engaged and committed to their roles. Strengthens Team Relationships: Gifting helps foster a sense of camaraderie and unity within teams. Whether celebrating team successes or individual milestones, these shared moments enhance workplace relationships. Enhances Company Culture: A culture of appreciation contributes to a positive and inclusive work environment. When employees see their contributions valued, it creates a supportive atmosphere that can attract and retain top talent. Improves Employee Retention: Employees who feel valued are less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. Regular acknowledgment of their efforts through gifts can improve retention rates and reduce turnover costs. Encourages Productivity: Knowing that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded motivates employees to maintain high levels of productivity. Nailing the perfect gift On the Gift Guru’s checklist: Personalization: Tailor gifts to recipients' interests and preferences. Practicality: Choose useful items that enhance work or personal life. Company Values Alignment: Select gifts that reflect your organization's ethos. Occasion-Specific: Recognize various milestones with appropriate gifts. Set of notebook, pen, coaster and paper bag. Collapsible phone holder and glass candle in a stand. Tailored Gifts for Every Workplace Event: Welcome Gifts: Customized kits with company-branded items like notebooks, pens, mugs, and coasters for the workspace. Recognition Gifts: Wooden desktop calendars or organizer trays as daily reminders of appreciation. Holiday Gifts: Thoughtfully prepared sets combining edible goodies with candles and candle holders in festive packaging. Work Anniversary Gifts: Handcrafted decor, desk accessories, personalized awards, eco-friendly items, and professional organizers that commemorate years of service Birthday Gifts: A thoughtful card and a personalized, handmade gift is valued more than a gift voucher. Consider a hamper with a combination of chocolate and wellness treats. Wellness Gifts: An annual gift set of relaxation items, such as candles and home-spa kits, is a great way to remind employees that the organization has their wellness in mind. The Impact of Buying Social Choosing socially conscious gifts amplifies the positive impact of your gifting strategy. Buying from social enterprises isn't just about acquiring products – it's an investment in communities, ethical practices, and sustainable development. These purchases create job opportunities for marginalized groups, fund important social programs, and promote environmentally friendly practices. By opting for social impact products in your employee gifting, you become part of a larger movement that prioritizes people and planet alongside profit. Your choice Read Full Testimonial

Embracing Calm: The Power of Mellow Moods – A Sensory Bag from Diya.

By |2024-07-25T17:01:02+00:00July 15th, 2024|Blog|

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans In our fast-paced, often overstimulating world, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially for those with sensory sensitivities. Enter MELLOW MOODS – a simple yet powerful tool designed to help individuals regulate their sensory experiences and find peace in moments of overwhelm. What is Mellow Moods? Our sensory bag is a carefully curated collection of items designed to engage different senses in a soothing manner. Created in collaboration with the National Institute of Design (NID), with designs by our artisans with disabilities, it's not just any sensory aid – it's an eco-conscious, toxin-free solution that prioritizes both user wellbeing and environmental responsibility. How Does It Help? Tactile Exploration: Various textures on the Sensory Pillow and the feel of the fidget spinner provide calming tactile input. Visual Focus: Engaging visual elements like the Dimpled Popper help redirect attention from stressors. Auditory Calm: Soft sounds or noise-reducing ear plugs offer auditory relief. Olfactory Comfort: Gentle scents can help ground and relax. Proprioceptive Input: Items for squeezing or manipulating aid in body awareness. Emotion Cues: The bag that holds the aids has 9 emotions drawn out that help with emotional recognition and communication. Who Can Benefit? While often associated with autism or sensory processing disorders, sensory bags can be beneficial for anyone seeking a moment of calm. They're great for: Children in overwhelming environments Adults dealing with stress or anxiety Individuals with sensory sensitivities Anyone looking to practice mindfulness Our Unique Approach What sets our sensory bag apart is our commitment to sustainability and safety. Every item is carefully selected to be environmentally friendly and free from harmful toxins. We believe that finding calm shouldn't come at the cost of our planet's wellbeing. Incorporating a Sensory Bag into Daily Life Keep it handy in potentially stressful situations – at work, school, or during travel. Use it as part of a calming routine or as a go-to tool when feeling overwhelmed. The key is to explore and find what works best for you or your loved ones. Remember, everyone's sensory needs are unique. Mellow Moods from Diya Innovations, offers a starting point – a toolkit for calm that you can customize and adapt as needed. By choosing our sensory bag, you're not just investing in personal wellbeing – you're supporting sustainable practices and contributing to a more inclusive, understanding world. Ready to explore the calming power of our sensory bag? [Share a link] ​​

Embracing Plastic Free July: Small Changes, Big Impact.

By |2024-07-26T10:24:25+00:00July 5th, 2024|Blog|

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans It's been an eventful July, and we're excited to participate in the global Plastic Free July movement. This initiative challenges us all to refuse single-use plastics and rethink our daily habits. At Diya Innovations Pvt Ltd, we believe that small changes can lead to significant environmental impact. Simple Steps to Make a Difference: Carry reusable bags: Our eco-friendly cloth bags are perfect for shopping trips. Ditch disposable cutlery: Try our reusable cutlery sets for meals on-the-go. Bring your own bottle: Stay hydrated with our stylish, reusable water bottles. Say no to disposable cups: Our reusable cups are great for your daily coffee run. Our Commitment As a social enterprise, we're dedicated to providing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. Our products are designed with both you and the environment in mind. Join the Movement We challenge you to make one small change in your daily routine. Whether it's switching to a reusable water bottle or bringing your own shopping bag, every action counts. Remember, the goal isn't perfection – it's progress. Together, we can create a wave of change that extends far beyond July. Let's refuse single-use and embrace a more sustainable future. #PlasticFreeJuly #RefuseSingleUse How will you reduce your plastic use this month? Start by visiting our product page. Get Me Started

Our Customers Love Us & We Love Them

By |2024-06-14T18:11:03+00:00June 14th, 2024|Blog|

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans At Diya Innovations, we believe in creating gifts that not only delight the recipients but also reflect your company’s values and commitment to social responsibility. With Diya Gifting, you're not just giving a present – you're delivering a meaningful experience that reflects your company's ethos and makes a lasting impression. It's time to stand out from the crowd and show your appreciation in a truly unique and impactful way. I first worked with Diya Innovations in early 2021 when we ordered gift hampers for invited panelists. This was during the pandemic and Diya Innovations did a great job of managing the orders end-to-end. All the recipients appreciated the impeccable quality of the gifts, and for us organizers, we truly appreciated that Diya Innovations stepped up during a difficult time, such as the pandemic. I again worked with the team for our conference InGARSS 2023, in December 2023. We ordered all the mementoes for speakers and committees from DI this time. Once again, everyone was happy with the artistic designs, neat finish, and above all the social messaging behind the mementoes. The attention to detail in packing and shipping is remarkable. We will continue our business with Diya Innovations for their professionalism and their social stand. #buysocial is a good way to give back, especially when Diya Innovations makes it so easy and attractive. Jaya Sreevalsan Nair PhD Associate Professor, IIIT Bangalore https://www.iiitb.ac.in/ We will continue our business with Diya Innovations for their professionalism and their social stand. #buysocial is a good way to give back, especially when Diya Innovations makes it so easy and attractive. Dear Suman and passionate team of Diya’s “specially-talented” men and women,  I write his heartfelt message to THANK YOU for your amazing and inspirational work in making our beautiful LadyBWell breast cancer prevention Promise Bracelets. Many years ago when I sought an ideal global manufacturing partner, it was important to try and achieve a deeper meaning and closer connection with the people behind the bracelet’s creation as opposed to simply making a nice end product.  With Diya’s team, we succeeded in achieving both an inherent meaning greater than the product itself AND a beautiful homemade breast cancer prevention Promise Bracelet uniquely and individually crafted by your wonderful team.  The wearer undoubtedly FEELS the bracelet’s built-in pride, care and love, and ultimately, the gratification of families and friends enjoying a long-life of health, happiness and fulfilment.    LadyBWell’s mission…and that of amazing partners like E.R.I.C. (Early Recognition is Critical) and DearMamma (breast self-exam educational app)… of improving and saving lives is being achieved with Our Promise Bracelets that today (by the tens of thousands) stylishly adorning wrists of ladies (and gentlemen) of all ages around the world.  The message of breast cancer awareness, self-exams, prevention and caring and love “shine brightly” to the proud wearer as the “care and love” were already “built-in.”  Read Full Testimonial

Diya’s Gift First Program – Choose your Own Gift

By |2024-06-24T15:04:07+00:00June 14th, 2024|Uncategorized|

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans Let your employees choose their own gifts from our collection, specially curated for your organization The Perfect Gifting Solution for all occasions for all employees  - wherever they are located A company branded gifting portal  with company branded gifts. Reinforce your brand and values in innovative ways Employees  or Partners select their own gifts from a wide collection of curated choices. Employees select meaningful gifts they will keep and treasure Personalised communication & hassle free logistics. Shipment directly to the recipient. One Stop Hassle Free Solution for all your gifting needs Make Every Gift Count An end to end gifting solution from Diya Innovations Elevate your Brand with Gifts that Reflect your Values. Make every event memorable - Birthdays , Anniversaries , Work Anniversaries Allow them to select their own gift. Personalize the gift with their name and a unique message. Do away with the hassle of tracking dates, selecting gifts and logistics Team Gifting - Motivation , Achievements , Celebrations. Ensure that all gifting across the your company is aligned with your company’s brand and, values and creatinges the right impact Personalize gifts with  team names , tagline and even employee names. Diya’s Gift First Portal makes it easy for managers to reward and recognize their team. Festive Gifting for Employees & Partners Curate a range of Gift Boxes & hampers which are thoughtfully put together to make the celebration more personal. Please everyone Allow Employees & partners  to choose from a wide range of curated options. Diya Gifts First program ensures that the gift is delivered to the recipient wherever they are located.

Lakshmi Lead: Tailoring Unit Elevating excellence, fostering growth

By |2024-06-14T18:05:39+00:00June 14th, 2024|Blog|

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans Being more than a team is the goal, being a ‘village’ is the vision - the village that values and respects each member for who they are, not what they are. Stories, values, and opinions are shared and backs are had. Lakshmi leads our stitching unit with warmth and dedication. Supported by her three assistants, who were born with intellectual challenges, she nurtures their growth and skills. Fondly called Lakshmi Aunty, she fosters a culture of quality and excellence, encouraging her team to be their best every day. A wonderfully warm, sincerely loving person, Lakshmi works hard to see the team advance in ability and skill. She coaxes them to pay attention to quality, work faster, be less distracted and focus on being their best everyday. Laskhmi , always with a smile on her face,  brings joys to all she does and everyone she meets. Diya is more than just a workplace for Lakshmi; it's a sanctuary where she feels seen, valued, and empowered. Here, she not only hones her tailoring skills but also finds joy in the camaraderie of her diverse team. Lakshmi finds joy in the little things – laughter, ice cream and cake indulgences and the pure adoration of her diverse team members. Their love humbles her, reminding her of the simple yet profound beauty in life. More than just a workplace, it's a haven where she can be her authentic self – feel safe, heard, and appreciated for who she is. Beyond work, Diya provides Lakshmi with the means to educate her three daughters, ensuring they have a bright and independent future. It's a space where she breaks free from societal constraints and paves her own path towards self-sufficiency and fulfillment. Woman Power@Diya : Lakshmi along the team of woman who fuel both Diya's as well as their own dreams At Diya, Lakshmi has found a sense of belonging and a community that celebrates her strengths and supports her dreams. Her journey inspires others with her resilience and unwavering spirit.

Suresh “The Box and Board Boss” Supervisor – Paper Unit

By |2024-06-14T18:03:49+00:00June 14th, 2024|Blog|

Beyond the Chromosome: Celebrating the Remarkable Gifts of Our Down Syndrome Artisans Through our inclusive practices, we challenge biases and stereotypes, demonstrating that everyone has something unique and valuable to offer. We celebrate diversity, nurturing an environment where every individual thrives and grows. Suresh, the supervisor of the paper unit at Diya Innovations Private Limited, skillfully leads a team of bag makers, all of whom were born with Down syndrome. Upon receiving an order for bags, he swiftly evaluates the raw material and man-hour requirements, committing to delivery dates while independently overseeing the production process. Remarkably, these supervisory skills seamlessly extend to his role as a senior assistant in the wood department, supporting the Head of Production. Suresh's life journey is one of resilience and triumph. Born with cerebral palsy, which affected his facial and locomotor muscles, he endured extreme social exclusion during his first 10 years in a village in Tamil Nadu. His life took a transformative turn when he moved to Bangalore at the age of 10. Through dedicated physiotherapy, he learned to walk and improve his speech. Basic schooling, coupled with a keen interest in computers, empowered him to elevate his literacy levels. Suresh leads his team of artisans who are inspired  daily by his hard work and commitment Joining Diya at the age of 17 marked a significant chapter in Suresh's life. Over the past decade, he has not only honed his living, work, and social skills but has also become an integral and beloved member of the production team. His infectious sense of humor and playfulness contribute to a positive work environment. He embraces challenges as opportunities to learn new things and constantly seeks to perfect his skills and build on them. Beyond his professional achievements, Suresh has become a pillar of support for his family. He looks after their medical needs and saved enough money to build a house last year on the outskirts of Bangalore city. Suresh was the star guest and speaker at the Purple Fest Award in Goa this year As he approaches his 29th year, he is filled with optimism. He takes pride in his confidence and ability to learn. His confidence aids him in the various part-time jobs he takes on to supplement his income - washing cars in the morning and masonry jobs on weekends. When he isn’t working, he enjoys watching movies. A big fan of Tamil superstar Vijay, he believes in emulating him and working hard to reach for the stars. His confidence is boosted by the respect he receives now from his extended family in his village, who once saw him as ‘disabled’. Today he goes back to visit, as an earning and very able person!

Go to Top