14 June,2026 08:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
Aniket and his father Sopan Popat Sonawane.
FOR 104 people, who had lost limbs to accidents, infections, and other health conditions, Sunday marked the beginning of a new chapter. After nearly a month of waiting, beneficiaries gathered at Nico Hall in Dadar East on Sunday between 8 am and 6 pm to receive custom-made prosthetic limbs designed to help them regain mobility and independence.
The initiative was organised by Narayan Seva Sansthan in association with Shri Radha Krishna Charitable Foundation (USA). It followed a free disability surgery screening, selection and measurement camp held on May 18, where participants were assessed and fitted for prosthetics tailored to their needs.
The camp brought together people from different walks of life, each carrying a unique story of resilience.
Among them was Agnal Naidu, a young para-athlete who lost both legs in a local train accident in December 2021.
Despite the setback, he has gone on to win two gold medals and a silver medal in para-basketball and frisbee-throw competitions.
Speaking about his sporting ambitions, Naidu said, "I have gotten done with the camp; I am now waiting for the list of the camp to come out. I am looking forward to seeing the results and am sure that whatever the list would say, I will be happy."
He also plans to personalise his new prosthetic. "I am looking forward to customising them as well, but this time I will use battery-operated lights," he said.
Fourteen-year-old Aniket Sopan Sonawane from Nashik received a new prosthetic after losing his right leg following a dog attack at the age of 11.
Recalling the incident, Aniket said, "I was playing alone and didn't know that there were dogs around; suddenly all of them attacked me, and I lost my leg."
His father, Sopan Popat Sonawane remembered the traumatic day. "We were at home when we heard his screams and came out running. When we saw him, his condition was terrible. Our boy was left with severe wounds, including one to his scalp."
He added, "Three days after the incident, the doctor told us that his right leg had gotten severely infected and it had to be amputated."
Today, Aniket is back in school and says the new prosthetic feels more comfortable.
For 31-year-old Ashish Pathan, who lost his left leg in an accident in 2021, the journey has been equally challenging.
"Though for a period of time I was devastated, my family picked me up. I am now married and have a beautiful daughter," he said.
Another beneficiary, 56-year-old Raju Mahadev Kamble, lost his leg after a minor foot injury gradually worsened and eventually required amputation.
Using a walker while adapting to his new prosthetic, Kamble said, "Once I get used to it, I won't be needing others' help as much as I do now."
Similarly, 36-year-old Harikesh Vaish lost his left leg to gangrene around a year and a half ago. He said he is slowly regaining confidence and learning to use his prosthetic effectively.
"It has only been a year and a half, almost, since the time I lost my leg. I am now learning how to walk on my own and also adjust my prosthetic according to my needs. I can now confidently tell the doctors if there are any changes that are needed in terms of height or anything," he said.
The programme aimed to provide comprehensive rehabilitation support through free screening, assessment, and identification of mobility requirements.
"Advanced 3D printing technology, developed with Japanese and German engineering inputs, was utilised to ensure precision-fit, modular prosthetic solutions tailored to individual beneficiaries' needs," an organiser said.
Prashant Agarwal, President of Narayan Seva Sansthan, emphasised the organisation's commitment to rehabilitation and inclusion.
"At Narayan Seva Sansthan, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, confidence, and independence. An artificial limb is not merely a medical device; it is a pathway to mobility, self-reliance, and renewed hope. Through these initiatives, we are committed to leveraging advanced rehabilitation technologies and compassionate care to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to the support they need to lead fulfilling lives," he said.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Cabinet Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who highlighted the importance of such initiatives.
"Witnessing beneficiaries take their first steps toward greater independence inspires us to continue expanding our efforts and reaching more communities across the country," he said.
