A two-day free artificial limb and aid camp was recently organized at Patanjali Yogpeeth, with the goal of empowering specially-abled individuals with physical assistance and emotional support. The camp, which was conducted jointly by Patanjali Wellness and Uddhar Jefferies, Nagpur, provided over 250 people with artificial limbs, calipers, crutches, and other aid devices completely free of charge. The organizers took a holistic approach, offering measurement, custom fittings, physiotherapy, and counseling to ensure that beneficiaries received not only physical assistance but also emotional empowerment.
The camp was attended by prominent figures such as Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, who emphasized the importance of treating individuals with respect and dignity, rather than sympathy. Swami Ramdev stated that people with disabilities are not “disabled” but “divine souls” who require strength and support, rather than pity. Acharya Balkrishna added that real service is about making individuals self-reliant, and that health, dignity, and empowerment are closely linked.
The initiative was supported by several organizations, including Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti and Uddhar Sewa Samiti, as well as a team of experienced doctors, skilled technicians, and dedicated volunteers from Patanjali’s Seva Department. The camp was characterized by a spirit of quiet commitment, with each participant engaging in the process with humility and dedication.
The response to the camp was overwhelmingly positive, with the organizers announcing plans to conduct similar camps every three to four months. This sustained effort aims to bring about long-term change and promote inclusivity and human dignity. Rather than a grand display of philanthropy, the camp was a humble act of service that affirmed the importance of treating all individuals with respect and providing them with the tools they need to achieve independence. By doing so, the organizers hope to empower specially-abled individuals and promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.