- Former President Ram Nath Kovind lauds the institution’s humanitarian mission: “The work of the institution speaks for itself”; calls its service initiatives commendable.
- Free fitting of 549 artificial limbs and calipers transforms mobility prospects of 432 persons with disabilities at a mega rehabilitation camp in Lucknow.
- Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun announces land or building support to expand the institution’s services for Divyangjan across the state.
- Forty-member specialist team provides artificial limb fitting, walking practice, physiotherapy and rehabilitation support, reinforcing the mission of dignity and self-reliance.
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 3
When someone who has long struggled to take a step walks confidently again, the transformation reaches far beyond physical mobility — it restores hope, dignity and the courage to dream. In a powerful demonstration of how compassion combined with medical expertise can change lives, Narayan Seva Sansthan has provided 549 artificial limbs and calipers free of cost to 432 persons with disabilities at a special rehabilitation camp in Lucknow. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, deeply moved by the beneficiaries’ experiences, summed up the institution’s humanitarian mission with a telling observation: “The work of the institution speaks for itself.”
When compassion translates into mobility and dignity
The true measure of humanitarian service lies not in the number of initiatives undertaken but in the lives transformed and smiles restored. Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind experienced this transformative impact first-hand while interacting with beneficiaries at a free modular artificial limb and caliper fitting camp organised by Narayan Seva Sansthan, Udaipur, in Lucknow.
“After interacting with the beneficiaries and listening to their experiences, there is little left for me to say, because the work of Narayan Seva Sansthan speaks for itself,” he observed, expressing deep appreciation for the institution’s sustained efforts to empower persons with disabilities.
Touching upon the emotional challenges faced by families, Kovind said that when a child loses the ability to smile because of a physical disability, the entire family shares the pain. He commended the institution for restoring smiles not only to persons with disabilities but also to their families, helping them embrace a new life filled with hope and possibilities.
He expressed his best wishes for the beneficiaries’ bright future, emphasising the importance of enabling them to become self-reliant.
A promise of inclusive development
The camp was inaugurated by Kovind through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp at Dayal Gateway Hotel in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. Before the inauguration, he interacted with beneficiaries, listened to their personal journeys and understood from medical specialists the process involved in fitting artificial limbs.
The dignitaries were welcomed with traditional turbans, reflecting the cultural heritage of Mewar.
Uttar Pradesh Minister for Social Welfare Asim Arun, who presided over the programme, said that he had the opportunity to closely understand the institution’s work. He observed that Narayan Seva Sansthan was contributing to the vision of a developed India by bringing persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society.
In a significant announcement, Arun said the state government would provide a plot of land or a building to the institution to facilitate its services for persons with disabilities in Uttar Pradesh. This support is expected to strengthen its outreach and enable more needy beneficiaries across the state to access rehabilitation facilities.
549 artificial limbs and calipers: 432 lives empowered
The centrepiece of the humanitarian initiative was the free provision and fitting of 549 artificial limbs and calipers to 432 persons with disabilities.
A 40-member team of specialists undertook the fitting process and guided beneficiaries through carefully supervised walking practice. Mirror bars and physiotherapy sessions helped them improve balance, mobility and confidence. Beneficiaries were also educated on the proper use, maintenance and care of their artificial limbs to ensure sustained benefits.
Free meals were arranged for all beneficiaries.
The initiative followed a selection and measurement camp conducted on September 13, during which more than 550 persons with disabilities registered. Following assessment, 432 selected beneficiaries received their artificial limbs and calipers at the subsequent fitting camp.
Every step tells a story of courage
One of the most moving moments of the programme was a parade by beneficiaries walking with the support of their newly fitted artificial limbs.
For many, these were more than ordinary steps. They represented renewed independence, freedom from prolonged physical limitations and the possibility of participating more fully in family, social and economic life.
The happiness and emotional relief visible on the faces of family members added another dimension to the occasion. Their loved ones were taking confident steps towards a future in which physical disability need not define their aspirations.
Narayan Seva Sansthan President Prashant Agarwal said the institution’s mission extended far beyond distributing artificial limbs. Its larger commitment was to empower persons with disabilities to lead lives marked by dignity, confidence and independence.
Vandana Agarwal, Director of the institution, delivered the welcome address, while Patron Satya Bhushan Jain proposed the vote of thanks. Trustee Devendra Chaubisa, along with several dignitaries, social workers and volunteers, attended the programme.
Four decades of service, a larger vision of empowerment
Established in 1985, Narayan Seva Sansthan has been working towards the treatment, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities and underprivileged sections of society.
According to the institution, it has provided free artificial limbs to more than 40,809 persons with disabilities and extended free medical services to over 456,000 beneficiaries.
By integrating modern technology, specialised medical intervention and compassionate rehabilitation, the institution is seeking to transform the lives of persons with disabilities and help them become active, confident and self-reliant members of society.
The Lucknow camp reinforced a vital message: Disability must never become a barrier to dignity, opportunity or the freedom to move forward in life.