Daijiworld Media Network—Beltangady (RD/CN)
Beltangady, May 19: “Physically-handicapped people need opportunities more than empathy for this boosts their self-confidence”, said Sri Kshetra Manjunateshwara Dharmasthala Dharmadikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade.
Dr Heggade was speaking at the programme organized for free distribution of artificial limbs in Dharmasthala here on Monday May 18. This humanitarian task was undertaken jointly by Sri Dharmastala Manjunateshwara Medical Trust, Dharmasthala, and Marvari Youth Federation, Bangalore.
“Bangalore-based Marvari Youth Federation ventured into social work by extending health care facilities when a major fire broke out at Venus Circus in Bangalore in 1981”, said Dr Heggade. He said that since then, it has been involved in commendable humanitarian tasks that are indeed commendable.
“The physically challenged get special facilities and respect in countries abroad that is not found in our country. At the camp held here, 51 artificial limbs were fitted onto physically handicapped people. Moreover, if there are more number of such cases, one more camp will be held for them to avail the facility”, added Dr Heggade.
Marvari Youth Federation vice-president Mahendra Solanki said that their humanitarian tasks cover free dialysis service for needy patients in 22 hospitals across Bangalore. Free artificial limbs will be fitted to the physically handicapped at Mahaveer Jain Hospital with free accommodation and food.
Marvari Youth Federation president B Chandrapal Bhandary said that the organization has been engaged in polio reversal surgery, health care services to Bhopal gas victims, Kargil war victims, Gujarat earth quake, flood victims of Rajastan, tsunami, and the like.
“The organization has also provided free artificial limbs to 28,736 physically handicapped by conducting 252 camps. Mobile dental care services are made available in remote villages in Karnataka, whereby skilled dental surgeons attend to various dental ailments”, he added.
D Harshendra Kumar of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunateshwar Education Trust, secretary Devaraj Gadia, joint secretary Pankaj Bohra, and K Anand Kumar Marleja were present on the dais.
Srinivas Rao compered the programme while Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunateshwar Medical Trust secretary Shishupala Poovani proposed the vote of thanks.