Chennai, India - December 17, 2008
Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), today inaugurated its Jaipur Foot camp in the city, in association with Dow Chemical International Pvt Ltd (Dow India). The event was attended by Dr. Mannar Jawahar, vice chancellor of Anna University, Mr. D.R. Mehta, founder and chief-patron, BMVSS, Dr Ramesh Ramchandran, CEO and president, Dow India and Mr. Mohan Jain, Adinath Jain Trust. The camp, which is being held from December 15-19, 2008, will provide free fabrication and distribution of approximately 300 artificial limbs, calipers and crutches to the physically challenged enabling them regain mobility and a normal life.
Dow India has been associated with the BMVSS and its Jaipur Foot initiative since 2005. In addition to committing financial resources of approximately Rs. 1 crore to BMVSS, Dow India utilized its scientific expertise to introduce the revolutionary Polyurethane (PU) Foot, featuring more flexible and durable qualities, which has been highly acknowledged by global orthopedic experts. This is a unique example of co-development involving an NGO and corporate organizations working together for technological development which will benefit the masses.
BMVSS and Dow India have already conducted similar camps in Mumbai and Pune in October and November respectively. The Mumbai camp helped more than 350 people while 597 Jaipur foot and calipers were distributed at the Pune camp. The aim in Chennai is to help approximately 300 people.
BMVSS is the largest artificial limb fitment organization in the world, and we are proud to hold the Jaipur Foot Camp in Chennai, helping many people regain their dignity and independence," said Mr. D.R. Mehta. "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.
"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."
"The strength of Dow India's engagement with BMVSS is through a combination of financial support, technical expertise and employee volunteerism," said Dr. Ramesh Ramachandran. "With our engineering center of excellence here in Chennai, our employees are proud and privileged to be part of the transformation of so many lives in our local community, empowering them to become independent through the use of artificial limbs."
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 operating from its offices, 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
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Kethana Kolli
Perfect Relations - Chennai
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