Pune, India - November 17, 2008
Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) in association with Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd. (Dow India) successfully concluded their Free Jaipur Foot camp initiative in the city last week. 500 artificial limbs and calipers were distributed to the physically challenged at the camp, held from the 10th - 14th of November 2008. The aid provided by the entities has helped these individuals regain mobility and normalcy in their lives and given them a sense of confidence while raising their self - worth.
The organization of Jaipur Foot camp in Pune is an extension of Dow India's recent announcement of providing support of Rs 1 Crore to BMVSS. A previous camp was successfully organized in Mumbai in October where more than 350 disabled people were provided with artificial limbs and calipers, and a further camp will be held in Chennai later this year. The camps in all three cities will eventually distribute more than 1000 artificial limbs and calipers.
"We at BMVSS, which is the largest artificial limb fitment organization in the world, are proud to have held the Jaipur Foot Camp in Pune, which helped many people regain their dignity and independence," said Mr. D.R. Mehta, Founder and chief patron Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayta Samiti. "The organization of Jaipur Foot camps in three cities will enable the welfare of more than 1000 physically challenged individuals living below the poverty line in our country. We have got patients coming from as far as Kolhapur to the camp, we are happy to provide the assistance with which these individuals can return to their normal lives. "
"This initiative would not have been possible without support from Dow India," he continued. "The dedication and response of Dow India's management combined with their technical team is truly commendable."
"There are 1.25 million amputees in India and every year, 25,000 people lose their limbs to diseases, accidents or other hazards," said Dr. Ramesh Ramchandran, President and CEO, Dow India. "Dow India's support of BMVSS in organizing the Jaipur Foot camp in Pune is a testament of our commitment to constantly work towards the overall progress of the communities in which we operate. It brings us great pride and joy to note that we have made a difference in the lives of over 500 people living in an around Pune, through this camp here. We at Dow are extremely proud to be associated with a pioneering organization like BMVSS and are fully committed to providing support, through research and development, to this noble endeavor."
As a part of its ongoing corporate citizenship programmes, Dow India has been associated with the Jaipur Foot initiative since 2005. In addition to committing financial resources to BMVSS, Dow India's polyurethane unit at Kalwa, Mumbai along with Pinnacle Industries has utilized its expertise to introduce the revolutionary polyurethane (PU) Foot, which has been highly acknowledged by global orthopedic experts.
These organizations are currently working on the next generation polyurethane foot coated with a protective elastomer layer to enhance the life of the PU foot by 100%. This is a unique example of co-development involving an NGO and various corporate organizations working together for technological development which will benefit the masses.
Testimonial from a patient
About Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS)
Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) Jaipur, set up in 1975, is the world's largest organization for the handicapped, benefiting more than one million handicapped in India and abroad, by providing artificial limbs, calipers and other aids and appliances since its inception. Since most of its patients are below the poverty line, this assistance has been provided totally free of charge. In the last financial year 2007-08 alone BMVSS, with support from various sensitive sources and organizations helped more than 66,000 handicapped. In the last several years BMVSS has held on-the-spot artificial limb camps in 22 countries across Asia, Africa & Latin America where there are many land mind victims. These countries include Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda, Somalia, and Honduras. BMVSS is also committed to the upgrading of various aids and appliances with the help of various world-renowned scientific organizations and technology companies so that the handicapped are benefited even further.
About Dow India
Dow Chemical International Private Limited, headquartered in Mumbai, has more than 700 employees, a head office, manufacturing site and three Centers of Excellence. Operations in India have experienced exciting growth with annual sales touching the Rs 2000 crores ($ 500 mm) in 2007. As a responsible corporate citizen, Dow India has helped build homes for the homeless through the 'Habitat for Humanity' Jimmy Carter Work Project, supplied free artificial limbs through the 'Jaipur Foot' initiative, and collaborated with the Byrraju and Anarde Foundation to supply clean drinking water to villages in India.
About Dow
For Editorial Information:
Roysten D’mello
Dow India
+91 9833859074
Sonal Kanade
Perfect Relations - Pune
+91 9922599783
skanade@perfectrelations.com
Chennakeshav Shenoy
Perfect Relations - Mumbai
+91 9819266998
cshenoy@perfectrelations.com
