In Restoring Mobility, a Bid To Bestow Independence
For a 70-year-old retired veteran named Lameni, the thought of walking independently with the use of both his feet was almost unimaginable. However, his life changed the day he read about a foreign program called Saksham-Mandiri on a local newspaper, promising to provide free Artificial Limbs to about 500 limbless Indonesian citizens.
The “Saksham-Mandiri” program — both words mean “independent” — is a camp organized by Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group, a leading automotive component manufacturer in India, in association with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the world’s largest organization for rehabilitating the disabled from India, and the support of Yayasan Peduli Tuna Daksa, an organization that provides prosthetic limbs to the physically challenged poor in Indonesia, aiming to ensure the sustainability of life through ensuring mobility to the disabled.
From May 4 to 27, a team of 11 technicians and equipment from BMVSS will be stationed through out the 21-day camp located at PT Minda Automotive Indonesia, Karawang — one of the 32 Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group plants established around the globe — to manufacture artificial limbs according to the customized measurements of each person. The amputees will be identified and mobilized by Yayasan Peduli Tuna Daksa, which already has a waiting list of about 1000 people around the country.
The artificial limbs manufactured by BMVSS — founded in 1975 by Shri D.R Mehta — is also known as the Jaipur Foot. Being awarded no.18 in India Time Magazines’ 50 Best Inventions of 2009, Jaipur Foot allows amputees to walk, run, swim, sit cross-legged, drive, dance and/or move normally after being fitted. It is the most widely used prosthetic foot in the world that operates in 51 countries and has rehabilitated over 1.40 million disabled worldwide.
“I am immensely grateful for this unexpected and generous help given to us by this company, praise the lord!” said Lameni, who served in Indonesia’s military for 38 years. “I no longer feel stuck or dependent! I can go anywhere on my own, do my business, and be more successful, all thanks to this company and the people that has flown down from India to help us!”
The durability of the limbs, which are made of special natural rubber, can last up to 3 to 5 years considering the person’s age and usage; for example, a growing child or an athlete may require to change the artificial limbs more often than others. “Most amputees are victims of road accidents and/or are diabetic, thus requiring different treatments as some may be more prone to infections.” said Lateef Pandit, the Manager, Clinical Prosthetist and Orthotist of BMVSS for 18 years.“Also, according to the position of the amputated foot, either above or below the knee and the reason behind the loss, special sockets and joints will be required.”He adds that the process of making the artificial limbs can take between 3 hours to maximum one day.
With the support of the Government and Ambassadors of both India and Indonesia, this camp has been successfully initiated after one year of planning. “Such initiatives of benefiting people with disability, empathizes and signifies humanity. This should be boundary-less.” said Ashok Minda, CEO of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group. “Through this camp we want to restore their [the amputees] dignity through mobility and by being self-empowered, independent and self-reliable people. ”
Aside from covering the cost of each limb, which is estimated to be $150 to $200 and camp, Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group will also be providing transport, meals and accommodation to the amputees if necessary. Meanwhile, Yayasan Peduli Tuna Daksa will be responsible for post-camp facilitation and corrective measures after being specially trained by the technicians of BMVSS.
“This is our first major CSR Project here in Indonesia”, said Sandeep Aggarwal, President Director of PT. Minda Automotive Indonesia. However, he adds that the company has done many other internal CSR Programs such as blood donation drives, flood relief, tree plantation programs and others, which are in line with Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group’s main CSR focus in India and other countries including community health, education, environment, community livelihood, infrastructure and more.
“When I saw a video of one of the first lady to receive a limb was able to walk on her own feet and a man was able to offer prayers on his own, walk and run — their happiness brought tears to my eyes. Nothing else is more powerful than this” said Sarika Mind, Chair Person of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group.
Considering the demand in Indonesia, Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group plans to do fitment in different locations. Also, people with different types of disabilities are given the opportunity to be involved in various operations of the company after their customized training and evacuation plan.
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