Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced that the country’s first expansive project named ‘No Barriers’ aimed at ensuring equal recognition and dignity for persons with disabilities and fostering a respectful, inclusive social culture will be launched this month. To improve the living standards of persons with disabilities and expand their opportunities and facilities, the state government will soon unveil a comprehensive disability policy incorporating modern systems and best practices from developed countries, along with associated schemes, the Chief Minister added.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a free artificial limb distribution camp jointly organized by DP World, Rotary Club of Thiruvananthapuram Central, and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS – Jaipur Foot). The four-day camp is being held from November 12 to 15 at the Vazhuthacaud Freemasons Hall in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Chief Minister emphasized that persons with disabilities and senior citizens are not marginalized in society and that the government is committed to their welfare, safety, and social participation. He stressed that physical impairments should not hinder anyone’s progress and reminded that it is a collective social responsibility to provide equal opportunities to all and make public spaces and services more disability-friendly.
Kerala is among the states that have established a dedicated department for senior citizens’ welfare, and the government prioritizes schemes addressing their needs, he highlighted. He noted that since the 2018 Great Floods, Rotary Clubs and DP World have gained firsthand insights into the charitable and social service activities carried out in Kerala.
He lauded the exemplary initiative of providing costly artificial limbs and mobility aids free of charge to economically disadvantaged individuals using modern technology. Through this four-day camp, 400 persons with mobility impairments from various districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu will receive free artificial limbs, calipers, and other mobility aids.
Each beneficiary’s physical condition and needs are assessed individually by experts, after which appropriate devices are crafted. Using the technology and manufacturing methods of Jaipur Foot, artificial limbs are custom-made and fitted according to personal measurements. The goal is to enhance beneficiaries’ mobility and self-reliance.
At the camp’s inauguration, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan handed over an artificial leg to Anugraha L.V. Nair, a sixth-grade student at Kushavarkkal Government Upper Primary School who lost a leg in a road accident in June 2026. Senior Rotary Club members with 40 years of membership were also felicitated during the event.
DP World Ports & Terminals (Navashava) CEO Jibu Kurian Itty said that beyond commercial operations, DP World aims to create long-lasting impactful changes in communities. The organization prioritizes identifying those most in need to deliver technical aids and devices capable of effecting real change in their lives. He expressed happiness to be part of projects that empower persons facing physical challenges to move more independently and participate actively in daily life.
Prem Kumar Thampi, President of Rotary Club of Thiruvananthapuram Central, said the project’s primary objective is to provide effective support to those struggling to obtain necessary mobility aids due to economic and social reasons. He added that the expansive camp became a reality through the collective efforts of various organizations and volunteers.
As part of its social responsibility initiatives to improve mobility for persons with disabilities, DP World organizes similar camps across the country. Organizers reported that more than 1,220 artificial limbs and numerous mobility aids have been distributed so far through camps held in Kochi, Chennai, Panvel, Mundra, Agra, and Hyderabad.
Organizers hope that interventions like these will provide greater freedom and confidence to persons with physical disabilities who face challenges in education, employment, and social life.
The event was attended by former Rotary District Governor Krishnan G. Nair, DP World Ports and Terminals (Navashava) CEO Jibu Kurian Itty, Rotary Club of Thiruvananthapuram Central Secretary Chandu Gupta, and District Project Chair C. Suresh among others.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
