Spark Minda Foundation, the CSR arm of leading automotive components manufacturer Spark Minda Group hosted a 2-day camp in Pune, Maharashtra. Launched on 28th January 2024; the camp aimed to empower People with Disabilities (PwDs). It was hosted in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata (BMVSS) and Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalaya.

The camp, held under the auspices of the Foundation’s National Award-winning flagship programme, Saksham – Empowerment of PwDs, has successfully assisted over 18,000 PwDs over the years by providing access to prosthetic limbs, orthotics, and various other assistive and accessible aids.

Nearly * fitments, including artificial limbs, calipers, crutches, walkers walking sticks, etc. to promote mobility were distributed during the camp. In addition to these, the team is facilitating UDID registration and employment support for PwDs.

Spark Minda Foundation Chairperson, Sarika Minda said, “Our goal is to create an inclusive and caring community. Saksham programme is a great example of teamwork and good intentions. This camp is a significant step towards making our society inclusive. Thanks to our partners and the amazing team, who played a crucial role in making this happen. We're committed to doing more of these efforts and making a positive difference in even more lives along the way."

PwDs came from Panshet, Dhayari, Pernephata, Bhosari, Keshavnagar, Hadapsar, Wagholi, Shikrapur, Manchar, Bivewadi, Karve Nagar, Dhanakwadi and other rural parts of Maharashtra as well.

Saksham – Empowerment of People with Disabilities was launched by the Spark Minda Group in 2015. It aims to empower People with Disabilities through access to assistive and accessible aid, employment and entrepreneurship support, UDID registration, and skill development opportunities.

The programme has reached over 18,000 PwDs in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Spark Minda Foundation also runs three centers for the Empowerment of PwDs in states - Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand. Spark Minda group has also employed more than 1,000 PwDs across the group.

Any PwDs looking for support can visit any of the centers, which function throughout the year and offer services without any costs.

The group aims to reach 20,000+ PwDs by the year 2025, with the aim of helping them live their lives with dignity and to the best of their abilities. The Group was awarded the National CSR Award in the year 2019 for the Saksham programme by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which was awarded by the former President of India and the Finance Minister.

The organisation is going to conduct a Mega Camp in Pune from 21st to 27th February 2024, targeting 800 PwDs.