"People who live inside world’s many war zones, from Afghanistan to Rwanda, may never have heard of New York or Paris, but they are likely to know of a town in Northern India called Jaipur. Jaipur is famous in strife torn areas as the birthplace of an extraordinary prosthesis, or artificial limb, known as the Jaipur Foot, that has revolutionized life of land-mine amputees. The beauty of the Jaipur Foot is its lightness and mobility - those who wear it can run, climb trees & pedal bicycles - and its low price. While prosthesis for a similar level of amputation can cost several thousand dollars in the US, the Jaipur Foot costs only now $30 in India. "
Time Magazine, USA ( Issue of Fall 1997 )
As aid pours into Afghanistan, a special consignment from India is probably bringing more happiness to Kabul than the rest of the world's cargo combined……… The consignment consists of 1,000 pieces of the Jaipur foot, a prosthesis named after the northern Indian city where it was developed in 1970. It was taken on a special Indian air force plane to Kabul earlier this month………… As goodwill gestures go, it has probably earned India more appreciation than any amount of diplomacy……….. Along with the consignment went a team from Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), a Jaipur charity that provides artificial legs for the poor. The Jaipur foot is a household name among people who live in the world's many war zones. From Afghanistan to Angola, the below-the-knee limb is famous for transforming the lives of millions of landmine amputees. Read full article (“Jaipur Foot” brings happiness to Afghan Amputees)
The Guardian - 17-01-2002 (LONDON) & The Dawn (a leading Pakistani newspaper)-19-01-2002
Jaipur foot is the world’s prosthesis provider, with more than 16,000 prosthetic fittings per year. The charity BMVSS (Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti) serves more than 60,000 by providing Calipers, appliances, and other aids. The functionality of the Jaipur foot, measured against what is available in the United States along more than 20 dimensions, is equal or better. However, the Jaipur foot costs less than $30 compared to $8,000 for a comparable prosthesis in the United States. In fact, the Jaipur foot is given free to all. Foot is now in 16 countries where BOP patients exist, such as Afghanistan, Angola, Somalia, Iraq, Mozambique, Cambodia, Vietnam and Croatia.
BMVSS was established in March 1975 by Mr. D. R. Mehta. In the first 7 years after the development of Jaipur foot in 1968, hardly 50 limbs were fitted. In the first year after the formation of the society, 59 limbs were fitted. Now, the number of limbs fitted every year approaches 16,000. During the time from March 1975 (when BMVSS was established) to March 2003, BMVSS Successfully fitted 236,717 limbs in India and 14,070 around the world……….If not for the value system and patient-centric management practices followed by BMVSS, Jaipur foot might have remained on the shelf and in limbo. BMVSS emphasizes a holistic approach to addressing the problems of amputees. The society focuses on not only the medical problems of the underprivileged, but also the financial and social problems.
Jaipur foot’s expense breakdown for the 2002 fiscal year underscores the efficiency of expense and underpins the Society’s effort to serve as many patients as possible given its financial resources. Nearly 90% of the company’s expenses in the 2002 fiscal year was directly related to the cost of producing and fitting prostheses for the poor. Another 7 percentage of expenses went towards other form of charitable assistance. Only 4% of its expenditures went towards administrative and overhead expenses.
Prof. C. K. Prahlad in his book “The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid”
"It may be that only in India can there be created such a combination of technical skill, enthusiastic work and missionary zeal. The success of the service will have effect throughout the third world and also for Western Artificial Limb Technology. If ever money was well spent we have here the most profitable return in terms of relief of human suffering and disability ."
Dr. Geoffery Osborne, FRCS, Royal Liverpool Hospital, UK.
Let me state once again what a pleasure it was to call upon your centre this morning. I greatly admire the charitable work that your organization has accomplished both in India and Abroad on behalf of the disabled, including victims of landmines. I hope that today's visit helped convey my heartfelt support for the efforts of your centre to provide low-cost, locally produced prosthetic devices . As I pursue my responsibilities as President Clinton's Personal Rep-resentative on Demining, I will no doubt draw inspiration from the example of your center.
Karl Inderfurth, former Asst. Secretary of State in US Govt.
I am highly impressed by the progress made by this N.G.O. It is one of the finest institution dedicated to help the handicapped .
Mr.H.R.Bhardawaj , Union Minister of Law , Govt. of India , New Delhi
It is a most amazing achievement – a demonstration of what can be achieved in an country by a group of dedicated persons . I have known D.R.Mehta in different capacities and have worked with him in government and elsewhere . He did a splendid job wherever he was , but this far exceeds anything else I have seen. Thanks a lot for your courtesy.
Mr.Bimal Jalan , Member of Parliament , Delhi [ Formerly Governor of the Reserve Bank of India ]
It was our privilege to be here and see things around. I have no words to express my appreciation for the good work being done here. May God give those running these institutions the courage , conviction and gratitude to do better things for the lesser mortals of the society . Thanks
Justice S.N.Jha , Chief Justice , Rajasthan High Court , Jaipur
Very much impressed with the work and the service being provided to the beneficiary.Wish all success and further growth.
Mr.A.K. Bhattacharya , CMD , ALIMCO , Kanpur
We have been greatly honoured & our determination to work with B hagwan Mahaveer Society to serve humanity is even greater . With Mr. D.R.Mehta’s energy & support that should be easily achieved .
Tasnim & Haamid Jaffer , D-Z Cutclie Menon Society , Karachi
A really excellent service to humanity.
Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur
"Your work is an inspiration, not only to those whom you give mobility and dignity but to those of us who see what you do. God bless your work in this magnificent place - a true "Mini - India."
Mr. Richard F. Celeste, former Ambassador of United States of America in India.
"All my congratulations and best wishes to the wonderful dedicated team I had the pleasure of meeting today. Your generosity towards the handicapped is moving."
Monique Sandy, Minister of Cultural Relations, Canada.
It was a great honor to have had the opportunity to visit this center which has brought so much hope to so many people in India and which is also bringing new opportunity to help poor people all over the world. The hand of god is clearly here."
Migual D' Escoutu, Minister of Foreign Affais, Nicaragua.
"Absolutely inspiring physically and spiritually."
Andrew Maqvire, Appropriate Technology International, Washington D.C. USA.
"An achievement that cannot be praised in words."
Mr. Daniel O, Dell, Unicef, l-18, Green Park, New Delhi.
"This is great work that you are doing to get the people back 'UP' and 'WALKING', what a number of 2002-03 alone,17,267 Prostheses, who would believe that this is possible, this takes team work! And what a great team you have, keep-up the fabulous work."
Thank you!
Kevin Carroll, Vice President, Hanger Prosthetics U.S.A.
"I have been moved to see the Centre and the life giving service to humanity. The use of Right material for the Right purpose is the success of the project. I will look forward to contribute in future for the use of contemporary material where over it fits. Excellent work “Best Design”
Sh.B.K.Chakravarthy Asst.Prof. Indian Institute of Technology , New Delhi
"Congratulations Extremely impressive Humane Project".
Dr. M.Linda & James Sutherland, Academy for International Medical studies. California ( USA )
"Very pleased to be in this most historic and innovative place in the world of Prosthetics & Orthotics. Best wishes for your future success".
Dr.Mary & Thormann NIDDR , US Deptt. Of Education, Washington DC 20202 , USA .
"I deeply moved by the dynamic work of BMVSS. I believe that the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation share my view that investments made in BMVSS have made substantial benefit to those they serve. Thank you for all that you do".
James Robinson, One Rotary CTR. 1500 Sherman Ave , Evanston , IL 60201 ( USA )
"A very educative visit. Yeoman service being rendered by the organization in the field of disabilities. A mini India with patients from all corners of the country. We wish the organization greater achievements in the years ahead".
Brig. Jagmohan Uppal, former Chairman & Managing, Director, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India , Kanpur (UP)
"We have visited this Centre many times in our quest to help the disadvantaged people of India particularly suffering from Polio. In this as Rotary Volunteers have traveled for 8 weeks throughout India & Nepal culminating in Jaipur. The staff are dedicated & devoted in all their skills for humanity. We will return with renewed vigour".
Gery Powell, Rotary Club of Wellington , Trustee, Rotary Jaipur Limb Project , UK .
"Having visited the place, I now realize why I have heard so much about this organization & its work for so many years. Thank you for being so open with your information".
Ajit Choudhari. The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, New Delhi .
"I have seen what is done with what result. I had heard about the Jaipur foot for some years. I have also just now seen many of the remarks of other visitors. I share all these views. Here is a very low profile, low cost effort by some extremely dedicated & committed persons, which results in outstanding & unbelievable benefit to those who were the suffers & now are as fit as any normal person".
Rahul Bajaj C.M.D.,Bajaj Auto Ltd. Pune.
"I am very impressed. Thank you".
Katherine D.Seelma,Ph.D. Director, National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research, Washington , D.C.
"Very impressive work.Scale of production is very encouraging".
Craig Heckathorne North Western University , Chicago , USA .
"Your work is immensely encouraging to those of us conducting research & development in Prosthetics and Orthotics in the USA" .
Dr.Adrian Polliack Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Centre, Los Angles, CA, USA .
"Excellent and useful organization. Service can be utilized for training of people from other states".
Dr.T.K.Maitri Head of the Deptt. Of Orthopaedics, B.C.Roy Polio Clinic & Hospital for crippled children, Calcutta
"The Jaipur foot technology is a “gift from God” to the poor and disabled people of the developing countries. The work and dedication is impressive and the costs involved are within the reach of the poor. Excellent co-operation is evident in the development of clinics and camps outside India where this technology is used. My sincerest wishes for success in the future. May God bless you all".
Dr.E.Joe Pinto , Ontario , Canada .
"Very-very Noble work - very impressive. Wish all progress.
Dr. Mohan Bafna, Maryland, USA.
"Coming to Mahavir Centre is like visiting a sacred temple. Patients from several States have come here with full faith. I was glad to meet the patients and to see their spirit & self confidence. Noble work, and noble people are engaged. May God bless them and their mission".
Dr.S.N.Subba Rao 221, D.D.Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi-110002.
"Thank you for introducing me to this most unique and inspiring service. I look forward to furthering our mutual sharing of ideas and possibly collaboration".
Lloyd Feinberg Leahy war victims fund USAID/Washington, DC, USA .
"As an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I found this impressive."
Dr. & Mrs. Leland Johnson California ( USA )
"A wonderful experience yet again. The Trustees of the Project in U.K. are very impressed with all your work in Centres and in Camps and we shall continue our support from funds from the 1800 Rotary Clubs in U.K. for many many years. Keep up all your god work-its an honour to be associated with BMVSS".
Colin James, The Rotary Club of South Port links & Trustee & Secretary of the Rotary Jaipur Limb Project, U.K.
"Our visit today is one of the most humbling, exciting, & energizing day. The warmth, the innovation & the simplicity of what is done is amazing. This is really "Gods work". We are fortunate to be here & witness it first hand".
Gaytri & Prof. C.K. Prahalad 6881, Spyglass Lane, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067.
"To my friends at Jaipur foot :- You are doing God's work and you have my respect, gratitude and admiration".
Frank M. Wisner, Ambassador of USA in India .
"I just cant find any better word how to express the high level of skills acheived by the staff by just developing and using their own common sense which cannot he acheived today even by the present university graduate they are very consious in activity & serving the handicapped wish them all the success.
Siam Khoday, Director, Prosthetics & Orthotics, Department of National Health & Welfare, Montreal, Cananda.
"The selfless dedicated and noble service being rewarded by Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti is a most inspiring example of human service and ..as model for the whole country. Lord Mahavir's blessings are providing through out the organisation it is a mini India. The impassion of Shri D.R. Mehata and the team is invaluable solution to all of you".
Lt. General K. Chandra Sekheran, AVSM, Managing Director Army Group Insurance, New Delhi
"This was a fantastic and stimulating experience I did not imagine that so much could be acheived for the handicapped with such minimal facilities at an extremely low cost May your effort grow from strength to strength in the years ahead".
Mr. M. Christian, WHO Consultant in Leoprosy, Karigiri (TamilNadu)
"Really impressed by what I have seen. I believe that here a way is shown how to help patients in their special social and medical conditions. You can be proud of what you have developed. With best wishes for the future.
Dr. Warner Welss, Baxreuther STR 26, 8450 AMBERE, West Germany
"Polio calipers : BMVSS has developed an efficient and good standardized system using thermoformed HDPE on a series of pre-made aluminium moulds. This technique permits to fabricate thousands of low cost polio braces of good quality and can be easily replicated. It would be highly recommendable as model for other service providers".
Joe Ubiedo, Technical Advisor, Omega Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya
Mr. D.R. Mehta and his collegues are doing commendable human service for the poorest of the poor. I feel proud what a caring India can do.
Dr. Ashok Ganguly, Former Chairman, Hindustan Lever Ltd. (HLL), Mumbai
This is my second visit during the last week. I have also seen the functioning of the artificial limb centre universally known as the Jaipur Foot ever since 1982. The current state of technology and Management under the dynamic leadership of Sh. D. R. Mehta is nothing short of phenomenal. This country needs a Plethora of man of Mehta Ji's calibre to handle to problems of the handicapped mostly belonging to lower income groups. I wish this centre unqualified sucess and a place rated as the best in the world.
Air Chief Marshall, O. P. Mehra, former Chief of Indian Air Force and former Governor of Rajasthan.
This Society has taken a clever piece of alternative technology and given it to the poor amputees at an amazingly low cost. On behalf of Rotary International we are proud help as coordinates of the Rotary UK Limb Center Project.
Mr. Peter Bettridge, Doug Bishop, Rotary Dist. 125 - Rotary International
I am very impressed with your work.
Dr. Kent M. Samulson, Salt Lake City; USA
A successful community involvement project that must surprise even the greatest Western specialist.
Dr. R.P. Bernard, Director of Field Epidemiology, IFFHR, Geneva, Switzerland.
