On Saturday, CavinKare’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Meera’s ‘Walk India’ campaign, donated artificial limbs to 100 individuals who had lost their limbs. The distribution was carried out in association with Freedom Trust at an event in Thanjavur, benefiting amputees from the district and surrounding areas. This marked the 10th edition of the ‘Walk India’ campaign, which has been running for over a decade.

Since its inception, the campaign has provided over 1,000 custom-made artificial limbs to beneficiaries across the country. The initiative aims to empower amputees to live independently and with dignity. The distribution of artificial limbs is a significant step towards achieving this goal, as it helps individuals to regain mobility, confidence, and independence.

The ‘Walk India’ campaign is an extension of CavinKare’s CSR efforts, demonstrating the company’s commitment to giving back to the community. By partnering with organizations like Freedom Trust, CavinKare is able to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by amputation. The campaign’s focus on providing custom-made artificial limbs is a testament to the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality support to those in need.

The success of the ‘Walk India’ campaign is a testament to CavinKare’s commitment to social responsibility and its impact on the lives of amputees. The initiative has not only provided limbs but also restored hope and confidence in thousands of individuals, enabling them to live a normal life. As the campaign marks its 10th anniversary, it is clear that CavinKare’s efforts will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by amputation.

The 23rd CavinKare Ability Awards honored six individuals with disabilities for their remarkable achievements and contributions to breaking societal norms and driving change. The awardees were selected by a panel of esteemed jurors, including Madhan Karky, Soumya Swaminathan, Justice Prabha Sridevan, Kapil Viswanathan, and S Sethuraman.

The CavinKare Ability Special Recognition Award was given to Sarah Sunny, a lawyer with a hearing impairment, who has argued cases in the Supreme Court, challenging the lack of legal sign language interpreters and advocating for judicial accessibility. Poonam Shroti, a disability rights advocate from Madhya Pradesh, received the CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that causes fragile bones, she has defied societal expectations by thriving in the corporate world and founding Uddip Social Welfare Society, which empowers individuals with disabilities through education and employment.

The CavinKare Ability Mastery Awards were given to Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, a para swimmer and disability rights advocate from Gujarat, who holds 31 national medals and a world record for the longest open-sea swim by a paraplegic; Miranda Tomkinson, India’s first individual with visual and hearing impairment to major in Special Education, who is a lecturer at NIEPMD and has cleared UGC NET in Sociology and Education; Jilumol Mariet Thomas, from Kerala; and Arshad Pandit, a paraplegic researcher from Srinagar who has secured Rs 12 crore in research funding and developed a hand-controlled driving system.

These individuals have overcome numerous challenges, including accessibility barriers, societal stigma, and personal adversity, to achieve remarkable success. Their stories serve as inspiration to others, showcasing the potential for individuals with disabilities to excel and make a positive impact. The CavinKare Ability Awards provide a platform to recognize and celebrate their achievements, promoting a more inclusive society that values and supports individuals with disabilities.

The 23rd CavinKare Ability Awards 2025 were held in Chennai on Saturday, honoring six individuals with disabilities from across India. The awards recognized the recipients’ resilience, talent, and indomitable spirit. The Special Recognition Award went to Sarah Sunny, India’s first deaf lawyer to argue a case before the Supreme Court. Poonam Shroti, a disability rights advocate born with osteogenesis imperfecta, received the Award for Eminence. She founded the Uddip Social Welfare Society to empower individuals with disabilities, particularly in tier 2 cities.

The Mastery Awards were presented to Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, a paraplegic Indian Para Swimmer; Miranda Tomkinson, a deafblind lecturer in special education; Jilumol Mariet Thomas, a self-employed graphic designer and member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association; and Arshad Pandit, a paraplegic Associate Professor and researcher in medical genetics and cancer diagnostics.

Speaking at the event, Jayshree Raveendran, founder and executive director of the Ability Foundation, emphasized that each of the recipients embodied the resilience of individuals still striving to break free from societal constraints. She highlighted the importance of society acknowledging and fostering an environment where the contributions of individuals with disabilities are valued and utilized.

The CavinKare Ability Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. The event serves as a testament to the awards’ mission to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society.