Ahmedabad, September 6: The joy of being able to walk again after a long wait and the emotional tears of families seeing their loved ones stand on their own feet once more created a deeply moving atmosphere at the artificial limb fitment camp organized by Narayan Seva Sansthan at Atal Kalam Campus Lane, Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, on Sunday.
The camp was jointly organized by Narayan Seva Sansthan, Udaipur, and CSR partner Ingersoll Rand India Limited. A total of 291 Narayan Modular Artificial Limbs were provided free of cost to 271 Divyangjans, while 87 calipers and other assistive devices were provided to 64 Divyangjans. Overall, 335 Divyangjans benefited from the camp. The chief guest, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, said that the service initiatives of Narayan Seva Sansthan are extraordinary and inspiring for humanity. He described the event as a beautiful example of the convergence of technology and compassion.
He said that providing artificial limbs and calipers to 335 Divyangjans was not merely a number, but the beginning of a new journey of hope, dignity and self-reliance for 335 families. He appreciated the Sansthan for combining Japanese and German technology with a spirit of service and said that the greatest purpose of modern technology should be to make human life better. He also praised the service vision of Padma Shri Kailash ‘Manav’, the founder of the Sansthan, and the leadership of President Prashant Agarwal. The Governor interacted with the beneficiaries, encouraged them and gathered information from doctors about the fitting and use of the artificial limbs. While extending his best wishes to the beneficiaries, he assured them of all possible support from the Raj Bhavan. The programme was presided over by Sunil Khanduja, Chairman and Managing Director, Ingersoll Rand India Limited. Bhupendra Singh Chudasama, former Education Minister of Gujarat, was also present as the distinguished guest and appreciated the humanitarian initiatives of the Sansthan.
In her welcome address, Vandana Agarwal, Director, Narayan Seva Sansthan, said that the objective of the Sansthan is not merely to provide artificial limbs to Divyangjans, but to help them regain confidence and become self-reliant. She said that these technologically advanced artificial limbs are bringing mobility as well as a renewed sense of confidence and independence into the lives of beneficiaries. The camp commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a welcome of the guests in the Mewari tradition. A 40-member team of specialists from the Sansthan carried out the fitting of artificial limbs and provided training to beneficiaries on maintaining balance, walking techniques, use of artificial limbs and their care.
According to Vandana Agarwal, more than 450 Divyangjans registered at the selection and measurement camp held in Ahmedabad on July 26. Of these, 335 selected beneficiaries were provided artificial limbs, calipers and other assistive devices at Sunday’s camp. Following the fitment, an inspiring parade by the beneficiaries created an emotional atmosphere. Several family members became overwhelmed with joy as they watched their loved ones walk independently after a long time. On the occasion, Satyabhushan Jain, Patron of Narayan Seva Sansthan; social worker Madan Lal Gupta; Shailesh Chandra Parmar; Natwar Bhai Gajjar; Satish Bhai Bhaviskar; Vallabh Bhai Dhanani; Pradeep Bhai J. Bachani, along with several distinguished citizens, social workers and volunteers, were present.
The programme was conducted by Mahim Jain, while Devendra Chaubisa proposed the vote of thanks. It is noteworthy that Narayan Seva Sansthan has been working in the field of social service since 1985. The founder of the Sansthan, Padma Shri Kailash ‘Manav’, has been honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution to the field of service. President Prashant Agarwal received the President’s Award in 2023 for his outstanding contribution to the empowerment of Divyangjans. According to the Sansthan, more than 40,200 Divyangjans have so far been provided free artificial limbs, while over 4.54 lakh Divyangjans have received free medical services across India and abroad.
