Narayan Seva Sansthan Fits Artificial Limbs in Ballari City
Ballari Camp Provides 687 Artificial Limbs and Callipers to 634 People with Disabilities
A total of 634 people with disabilities received 687 artificial limbs and callipers at a free fitting camp organised by Narayan Seva Sansthan of Udaipur in Ballari, Karnataka. The camp included individual fittings, physiotherapy and walking practice to help recipients adjust to their new devices.
The number of devices supplied was higher than the number of beneficiaries because some people received more than one artificial limb or support device. A team of 40 specialists carried out the fittings according to each person’s needs.
For people who have lost a limb or need support to walk, a well-fitted artificial limb or calliper can make everyday tasks easier. These devices may help users move around their homes, attend school or work, and take part in community life. The results depend on the person’s condition, the fit of the device and the rehabilitation support available.
The Ballari camp followed a selection and measurement programme held on 16 August, when more than 797 people registered. After assessments, 634 people were selected to receive artificial limbs and callipers at the fitting camp.
Former Karnataka Cabinet Minister B. Sriramulu attended as 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.
Sriramulu said such programmes help people with disabilities become self-reliant and regain confidence and dignity. Dr Penkar praised the work of Narayan Seva Sansthan and described it as an example of compassion and social responsibility.
The event began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp and a traditional Mewari welcome for the guests. After receiving their devices, beneficiaries practised walking with the help of mirror bars. Specialists guided them on balance, posture and safe movement as they learned to use their artificial limbs.
This stage of rehabilitation matters because receiving a device does not automatically make walking easy. Users may need time, practice and professional guidance to adjust to changes in balance and movement. A poor fit can cause discomfort or skin problems, while a suitable fit and regular follow-up can improve comfort and use. Callipers, also known as orthotic braces, support or guide the movement of a limb or joint, depending on the user’s needs.
Narayan Seva Sansthan Director Vandana Agarwal said the organisation’s work extends beyond supplying artificial limbs. She said its purpose is to help people carry out daily activities independently and live with dignity. The camp used modular artificial limbs, which are made from separate parts that can be assembled and adjusted to suit individual users.
Access to such devices remains an important issue for people with disabilities. The cost of artificial limbs, travel to specialist centres and the need for follow-up care can create difficulties, particularly for families with limited incomes. Free fitting camps can reduce some of these barriers. However, continued access to repairs, replacement parts, physiotherapy and medical advice is also needed to keep devices useful over time.
According to Sansthan President Prashant Agarwal, the organisation has supplied free artificial limbs to more than 40,809 people with disabilities and provided free medical services to over 456,000 people. Established in 1985, Narayan Seva Sansthan works in medical care, rehabilitation and services for people with disabilities. Its work follows the service legacy of founder Padma Shri Kailash ‘Manav’.
Agarwal received the President’s Award in 2023 for his contribution to the welfare of people with disabilities, according to the organisation. Donors who supported the Ballari camp were also honoured during the programme.
Other attendees 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. Social workers and volunteers also took part. Camp coordinator Hariprasad Laddha delivered the vote of thanks.
The Ballari programme shows how free access to assistive devices can help people take steps towards greater mobility. Its longer-term value will depend on whether recipients can continue to use their devices comfortably and obtain the care, training and maintenance they need.