Uplifting the Differently Abled in Rural Areas of Gujarat
Written by Anjum Shaikh, September 27, 2019
Good health is the source of good wealth. Poverty and limited access to medical infrastructure create a lot of challenges for people in rural areas, particularly those with disabilities. It is essential to serve them by focusing on their health and wellness and providing educational support.
Black Rose Industries Ltd., an Indian chemical manufacturing company, organised a mobility and eye care camp for the youth and differently abled of two rural villages in Gujarat, Jhagadia and Bharuch. The project was implemented in collaboration with two non-profit organizations, Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust and Atmasantosh Foundation.
At the camp, medical equipment such as artificial legs (Jaipur foot), artificial hands, calipers and crutches were provided to the differently abled. The villagers were invited for screening camps held in June and July. At these camps, a needs assessment was conducted and measurements of the beneficiaries were taken. These measurements were then given to the technical team in Mumbai who tailor-made the equipment. Students from various schools were also provided with free eye check-ups and glasses were created for those with prescriptions; poor vision is a big challenge that students face and glasses help them study better.
The distribution camp was held in the month of September and was attended by important heads of Black Rose Industries Ltd. and trustees from Diwan Dhanjishaw High School. Mr. Sanket Desai, General Manager of Black Rose Industries Ltd. addressed and welcomed the 208 beneficiaries and their families. It was heart-warming to see the smiles on the faces of the patients and their families when they received their equipment. Employees from Black Rose Industries Ltd. also volunteered at the camp and distributed equipment and snacks to the participants.
The camp was a huge success. People were very grateful and thanked the sponsors and camp organisers for supporting them. Our camp helped uplift the rural community in Gujarat and improved their healthcare and educational standards. Mobility and eyecare camps like these increase the morale of differently abled people and ensure that they are well-integrated into mainstream society. We believe that by organising such camps, we can raise the living standards of people living in rural areas in India, particularly the youth and differently abled.
This was a great experience for us at Atmasantosh Foundation and we look forward to helping more communities!
