India Will Become a Developed Nation Only When the Last Person Is Empowered: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma 

 MUMBAI: Speaking at the Divyang Empowerment Campaign organized by Hetu Charitable Trust and DLS Mumbai on Saturday morning, Honorable Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned making India a developed nation, which is impossible without the participation and support of everyone.

Addressing the gathering at Lakhani Banquet in Malad West, the Governor stated that India can become a developed country only when the people at the grassroots level are empowered. He praised Hetu Trust for its commendable work in this direction.

He noted that the trust has distributed wheelchairs, laptops, and AI-powered smart glasses to persons with disabilities, as well as sewing machines to needy women, describing these efforts as noble and meaningful.

Distribution of Assistive Devices:

Rikhab Jain, Secretary of Hetu Trust and coordinator of the event, said that the Governor distributed:* 100 wheelchairs,

* 50 sewing machines, * 100 AI smart glasses. He also announced the trust’s goal of helping 100 persons with disabilities secure employment during 2026. Jain further stated that the trust has sponsored 20 children for the past 15 years, covering expenses related to education, clothing, and other needs. The trust has also formed a music team comprising talented disabled singers and musicians.

He acknowledged the support of retired Justice K. K. Tated, Ramesh Sawant, and Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. He mentioned that AI smart glasses were first donated through the efforts of Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

To date, the trust has distributed: *200,000 notebooks, * 1,000 sewing machines, * 250 flour mills all free of charge. Praise from Judiciary:

Shyam C. Chodake, Judge of the Bombay High Court, described Hetu Trust as “a ray of hope” for persons with disabilities and said it provides opportunities for differently-abled individuals to lead dignified lives.

Another Bombay High Court Judge, Makarand Subhash Karnik, remarked to our reporter Sachin Murdeshwar that Hetu Trust and Rikhab Jain are engaged in truly noble and charitable work.

Minister’s Remarks: Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that the Governor’s presence at the event was inspiring and added prestige to the occasion.Retired Justice K. K. Tated, mentor of Hetu Trust, said that the organization supports people facing challenges in life and that he has personally witnessed its impactful work.

Awards and Recognitions: The Hetu Gaurav Award was presented to Narendra Rathi.Several dignitaries were honored with mementos, including Praveen Kothari, Director of Laxmi Leela Group Devendra Jain, Director of Vihan Electric Pvt. Ltd.Rajeshbhai Lakhani Banquet hall, Rakesh Pansari.The vote of thanks was delivered by P. G. Tapadia.

Cultural Program: The event began with a musical entertainment performance by artists from the Hetu Music Group. Renowned singer Bhalchandra energized the audience with a rendition of the patriotic song Teri Mitti. The program also featured dance, music, and mimicry performances.The success of the event was made possible through the efforts of the organization’s volunteers, including Dharmesh Mandaliya, Hirabhai Patel, Anil Babel, Dhaval Dharod and Mahesh Javergi.