MUMBAI: A 14-year-old 9th grader Veer Agrawal raised Rs.14 lakh and used it to fund artificial limbs for about 300 physically-challenged patients from low-income families.
Veer Agrawal, who studies in American School of Bombay, was all smiles on the successful completion of the four-day 'Jaipur Foot' camp for which he had raised funds to the tune of Rs.14 lakhs. The funds raised enabled the 'Jaipur Foot' camp held at Risod in Washim district of Maharashtra from 23rd to 26th November, organised by Seth Bhagwandas J Agrawal Charitable Trust.
About 350 physically challenged people from nearby districts visited the camp, out of which about 300 were found fit for treatment with prosthetic legs and were able to walk again. Over a dozen were also provided with wheelchairs.
Expressing his joy at helping people regain their mobility, Veer said, "A road accident some years ago resulted in a thigh bone fracture that left me bedridden for weeks. The agonizing experience always haunted me and motivated me to do something for physically challenged people from financially weak backgrounds and help them experience the joys of walking and running once again.
"I learnt about the concept of 'Jaipur Foot' camp and decided to set up a crowdfunding campaign on the website of the organisers. I also got support from my parents in this noble initiative."
Speaking on what drew him to rural India, Veer added, "Through my research on the net, I found that there are many needy people in rural India who did not have access to and could not afford a prosthetic limb. This motivated me to take up this cause in rural parts. It is fulfilling to see them walk again. I am deeply thankful to all who supported this cause and made this camp so successful."
Fitting amputees with the 'Jaipur Foot' costs about Rs.5,000 per patient. The artificial limb is customised to fit the patient as per their size and post-fitment, the patient is able to walk normally again.
Amputees who lost limbs in accidents and polio-affected persons were among those who benefited from the camp.