Bengaluru : Persons with disabilities began arriving at the camp site early in the morning, carrying hopes of standing on their own feet for the first time or walking comfortably again. At a free artificial limb and caliper fitting camp organised by Narayan Seva Sansthan, Udaipur, 687 Narayan modular artificial limbs and calipers were fitted to 634 beneficiaries. The lightweight, durable and comfortable devices brought smiles to their faces. After the fitting, walking practice using mirror bars helped boost their confidence and encouraged them to take steps towards greater independence.
The camp was attended by former Karnataka Cabinet Minister B. Sriramulu as the chief guest. Dr. Suman Penkar, Superintendent of Police, presided over the programme. Ballari Mayor P. Gadeppa was the distinguished guest, while former MLA Som Shekhar Reddy attended as a special guest.
B. Sriramulu said that such initiatives help persons with disabilities become self-reliant while restoring their confidence and dignity. Dr. Suman Penkar described the Sansthan’s efforts as an inspiring example of compassion and social responsibility.
Narayan Seva Sansthan Director Vandana Agarwal said the organisation’s objective goes beyond providing artificial limbs. It aims to empower persons with disabilities to walk with confidence, perform daily activities independently and lead dignified lives. Advanced modular artificial limbs and calipers improve mobility and play an important role in helping beneficiaries move towards greater independence.
The camp began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a traditional Mewari welcome for the guests. A 40-member team of specialists from the Sansthan fitted artificial limbs and calipers according to the individual needs of beneficiaries. Physiotherapy and walking training followed the fitting process. Using mirror bars, specialists guided beneficiaries in maintaining balance, improving their walking posture and adapting to their artificial limbs. This training helped them develop confidence in their steps and practise walking safely.
According to Sansthan President Prashant Agarwal, more than 797 persons with disabilities registered at the selection and measurement camp held on August 16. Following the assessment and selection process, 634 beneficiaries received artificial limbs and calipers at the fitting camp. Supporting donors were also felicitated for their contribution.
Those present included DYSP Prasad Gokhale; H. Lakshmikanth Reddy, president of Sanmarga Geleyara Balaga Friendship Group, Ballari; Venkatesh Murthy, GST Commissioner; Pampapati, RTO; Surajmal Bagrecha, president of the Jain community in Ballari; Chandrashekhar Acharya, Jagadish Gowda, Hanumanth Reddy, Raghuram Rao, Ashok Bhandari, industrialist Manjula Modi and Satyanarayana, along with several other dignitaries, social workers and volunteers. Camp coordinator Hariprasad Laddha delivered the vote of thanks.
Established in 1985, Narayan Seva Sansthan has been working in the fields of medical care, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities. Carrying forward the service legacy of its founder, Padma Shri Kailash ‘Manav’, the organisation combines modern technology with human compassion to help people in need become self-reliant.
Sansthan President Prashant Agarwal received the President’s Award in 2023 for his contribution to the empowerment of persons with disabilities. According to the Sansthan, it has so far provided free artificial limbs to more than 40,809 persons with disabilities and free medical services to over 456,000 people. The Ballari camp reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to combining technology, rehabilitation and compassionate service to help persons with disabilities lead independent and dignified lives.
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