Ahmedabad Camp Gives Artificial Limbs to 335 Divyangjans
335 Divyangjans Receive Artificial Limbs and Callipers at Ahmedabad Camp
For several families gathered at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the most important moment came when their relatives took steps on their own after receiving artificial limbs and mobility aids.
A total of 335 Divyangjans received assistance at an artificial limb fitment camp held at Atal Kalam Campus Lane, Gujarat University, Navrangpura. The camp was organised by Udaipur-based Narayan Seva Sansthan with CSR support from Ingersoll Rand India Limited.
The organisers said 291 Narayan Modular Artificial Limbs were provided free of cost to 271 beneficiaries. Another 87 callipers and other assistive devices were given to 64 Divyangjans. Some beneficiaries received more than one item, which accounts for the difference between the number of devices and the number of people helped.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat attended the programme as chief guest. He said, “The service initiatives of Narayan Seva Sansthan are extraordinary and inspiring for humanity.” He described the camp as an example of technology being used alongside a concern for people’s needs.
The Governor said the assistance given to 335 Divyangjans represented a new start for the families involved. He also praised the use of Japanese and German technology in the artificial limbs and said technology should be used to improve people’s lives.
Acharya Devvrat met beneficiaries at the camp and spoke to doctors about the fitting and use of the artificial limbs. He also assured the beneficiaries of possible support from the Raj Bhavan.
The programme was presided over by Sunil Khanduja, Chairman and Managing Director of Ingersoll Rand India Limited. Bhupendra Singh Chudasama, former Education Minister of Gujarat, attended as a distinguished guest.
Vandana Agarwal, Director of Narayan Seva Sansthan, said the organisation’s work goes beyond supplying artificial limbs. She said the aim was to help people regain confidence and become more independent in their daily lives.
The Ahmedabad Camp followed a selection and measurement exercise held in Ahmedabad on July 26. According to Narayan Seva Sansthan, more than 450 Divyangjans registered for that camp. After assessment and selection, 335 people were chosen to receive artificial limbs, callipers and other devices at the September 6 programme.
A 40-member specialist team from the Sansthan handled the fitment work. Beneficiaries were also taught how to maintain balance, walk with the artificial limbs and look after the devices.
That training is an important part of using a prosthetic limb safely. A device has to be fitted to the person’s body and adjusted according to their needs. Users also need time and practice before they can walk comfortably. India’s government assistance programme for aids and appliances, known as ADIP, also treats assistive devices as part of the rehabilitation process. The scheme has been running since 1981 and supports the distribution of modern aids through government bodies, institutions and eligible organisations.
The government has also built the Unique Disability ID system to create a national database of persons with disabilities and make access to disability-related services easier. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities continues to update the system and its rules. A new financial support scheme for the UDID project for 2026-27 to 2030-31 was listed by the department on September 2, 2026.
For people who have lost a limb or have difficulty walking, access to a suitable artificial limb can affect much more than movement. It can help with everyday activities such as travelling, working, attending school or managing household tasks. The cost of a prosthetic device and the need for professional fitting can also make access difficult for families with limited income.
Narayan Seva Sansthan has worked in this area for decades. The organisation was established in Udaipur in 1985 by Kailash ‘Manav’. Its early work included providing food to patients and their families at government hospitals. It later expanded into medical treatment, corrective surgery, rehabilitation and mobility assistance.
Kailash ‘Manav’ was awarded the Padma Shri in 2008. The Sansthan’s current work includes corrective surgeries and the distribution of artificial limbs, callipers, wheelchairs and other aids.
The organisation’s website currently lists 40,403 artificial limbs and 4,01,343 callipers as having been distributed. It also lists 4,54,585 corrective surgeries. The figures are cumulative and cover the Sansthan’s wider work rather than the Ahmedabad camp alone.
The September 6 programme also included a parade by beneficiaries after the devices were fitted. Families watched as participants walked independently across the venue. For some relatives, seeing a family member stand and walk again was an emotional moment.
The programme began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and a welcome ceremony following Mewari tradition.
Several people associated with the Sansthan and the local community attended the event. They included Satyabhushan Jain, Patron of Narayan Seva Sansthan; social worker Madan Lal Gupta; Shailesh Chandra Parmar; Natwar Bhai Gajjar; Satish Bhai Bhaviskar; Vallabh Bhai Dhanani; and Pradeep Bhai J. Bachani. Social workers, volunteers and other citizens were also present.
Mahim Jain conducted the programme, while Devendra Chaubisa delivered the vote of thanks.
The Ahmedabad Camp was held at a time when disability services in India are placing greater attention on access to assistive devices, disability certification and rehabilitation. Government programmes such as ADIP provide one route for eligible people to obtain aids, while organisations such as Narayan Seva Sansthan run their own charitable programmes.
For the 335 beneficiaries in Ahmedabad, the immediate result was more practical. They left the camp with devices fitted to their needs and training on how to use them. For many families, the next step will be learning to use the new equipment comfortably in everyday life.
