Magnitude a problem but society moving towards inclusivity: KCND president
At a time when the nation’s view has been affected by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the international fraternity changing the description of handicapped to the differently-abled, affecting the attitude of the society towards such citizens, one may be surprised that a healthcare non-Governmental organisation — Kiwanis Club of New Delhi (KCND) has been doing this for the affected and those in need for nearly five decades free of cost.
In an exclusive interaction with The Pioneer, KCND president and former managing director of Sakata Inx (India), Vijay Kumar Seth shared his experience of making a difference and the challenges that the nation still faces while progressing gradually towards a better situation.
Speaking about the organisation, Seth said, “A number of achievers, including former generals, senior Government officials, industry leaders and subject experts from various fields have been working in this organisation.
The KCND has been working mainly to provide artificial limbs free of cost to more than one lakh persons so far, pain management/ physiotherapy and cerebral palsy assistance. Reputed institutions like AIIMS also refer patients to us. We have a team of dedicated, skilled professionals whose passion to work and do something for the society has enabled us to hold camps with the army too. We hold about half a dozen camps in association with the army in border regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, especially for those who have lost their limbs due to mines or enemy fire. The KCND focuses on all aspects for those needing artificial limbs, cerebral palsy assistance and pain management help. We facilitate speech, behavioural and cognitive skills training for patients in need along with teaching their parents too. Our efforts are aimed at restoring the dignity of those who have lost hope and enabling them to lead better lives,” he said.
Regarding factors which lead to situations needing artificial limbs, he said that the problem is big in magnitude when it comes to factors like road accidents or awareness of health conditions like cerebral palsy. The solution cannot be left to the Government alone, as the public being aware and acknowledging its obligation towards safety and factors to prevent such situations is also important. “A positive change in social behaviour and awareness is vital to address such issues. The KCND engages with institutions including the IITS and colleges to raise awareness and elicit positive action on these aspects. The positive change that we all want to experience can be affected by education- it starts there. Incorporating empathy, awareness and more facts in education will lead to improvement. For example, in Japan, the kids are taught from the start in schools to respect those who are not equal due to physical and other aspects and this strengthens social values which benefit the society as a whole,” Seth said.
Regarding the funding for such activities, he said that voluntary donations from members and funds received under Corporate Social Responsibility play a major role. The organisation is presently working on a 3-D printed artificial limbs project which will cost about Rs 25-30 lakh. “The usual artificial limbs are not very comfortable due to various factors, so we are working on 3-D printed artificial limbs which will be much more comfortable and practical for the users,” he said,
Having been in the hub of the corporate sector for about five decades, Seth said that he is fuelled to do this work, as is his team, by the motivation to make a positive change in the lives of those who have little hope. Changing a life riddled with hopelessness and helplessness into one filled with hope and empowerment is what Seth and his team are motivated by.
