World Paper Bag Day: How specially-abled Delhi workers make every bag count

World Paper Bag Day is celebrated every year on July 12, in honour of the first paper bag machine that was built in 1852 by Francis Wolle. Paper bags not only help reduce single-use plastic, but have also become a popular gift shop item. Coming in beautiful colours, shapes, and designs, they are a sight for sore eyes. Within Delhi, there are plenty of manufacturing units for gifting paper bags. There is one unit, however, that stands out from the rest.

Muskaan-PAEPID is a non-profit organisation in Vasant Kunj that empowers the specially-abled. Muskaan provides vocational training for anyone with special needs. One of their units is known for their paper bags. These bags are made by students, with nearly 1,200–1,500 bags being made in a month.

The paper bags are made by intellectually disabled adults at their Vasant Kunj centre. Their working area is divided into different workstations, and each station has two-three persons. The stations are responsible for different parts of the manufacturing process. Patriot spoke to Poornima Mohla, a special educator responsible for assigning roles to the students. She explained that the students who were high-functioning were given the more difficult tasks, and those who are low-functioning are given easier tasks. “We keep rotating the tasks every few days, so it does not get too monotonous.”

The space is designed for accessibility, with pictorial instructions to aid understanding and a special educator always present. Arvind Kumar, a special educator, who oversees the stationery unit, said it has been running for nearly 30 years. “The bags go on sale at our in-house counter and are also displayed in stalls during the Diwali season,” he said, adding that custom orders often come through Muskaan’s website.

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Warmth and cheer fill the unit, with students eagerly introducing themselves and speaking about their families, friends, and work. For many, this is a second home — a place where their efforts are recognised and their skills celebrated.

“There has always been a lack of opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities,” said Shanti Auluck, Muskaan’s founder and Chairperson. “They have the same emotional needs as any of us — respect, dignity, friendship, and exposure.”

She recalled how the organisation began with just one unit for spice grinding. “They could learn handicraft and work. India has such a rich tradition of handmade items, and they were able to learn these things.”

She added, “The students have always been warm and welcoming. They have never been caught up with comparison and competition. They are happy with the honest work that they do, even if it feels repetitive to the rest of us. They just want the sense of accomplishment.”

Muskaan’s paper bags — vibrant, carefully crafted, and full of character — reflect the teamwork and dedication of their makers. At a place where others might see limitation, the students and staff see purpose, creativity, and quiet determination.