By
Pune: “Western culture says only the strong will survive, but Indian culture believes that every person born has the right to live, and it is the society’s duty to ensure that. Therefore, it is society’s responsibility to support every individual,” stated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
He was speaking at the Guinness World Record certificate presentation ceremony organized by the Bharat Vikas Parishad Viklang Punarvasan Kendra, Pune, and Dhole Patil Education Society. The event took place at Bhandarkar Institute on Law College Road, where prosthetic limbs were provided to persons with disabilities (Divyangs).
Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol, State Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakantdada Patil, MLA Siddharth Shirole, President of the Rehabilitation Center Dattatray Chitale, President of Dhole Patil Education Society Sagar Dhole Patil, Center Trustee and Head Vinay Khatawkar, Secretary Rajendra Jog, and Rajesh Pandey, member of the advisory council of Savitribai Phule Pune University, were also present.
Chief Minister Fadnavis praised the Bharat Vikas Parishad and Dhole Patil Education Society for setting a new world record by systematically organizing and conducting the distribution of artificial limbs with a spirit of service and dedication. “Records are not created intentionally by those who serve selflessly—they are a resting point in an unending journey. I am confident that this very organization will break this record again,” he said. He also suggested that on the occasion of the organization’s silver jubilee, the center be renamed as the “Divyang Rehabilitation Center”.
Over the past few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made several important decisions for the welfare of Divyangs. Notably, the establishment of ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) has brought to India the technology previously needed to be imported for advanced prosthetic parts. Now, world-class prosthetics are manufactured in India. The government has launched schemes to ensure this technology reaches rural populations and efforts are underway to extend benefits to the last person in need, Fadnavis noted.
He added that efforts are being made to improve accessibility across government offices and websites in the state. Creating accessible infrastructure for Divyangs is also a priority in the 100-day work plan.
Chitale informed that during this record-setting initiative, 892 advanced prosthetic hands and legs were fitted within 8 hours. He also mentioned that many generous donors and institutions come forward to support this noble cause, and that such service inculcates strong values in society.
On the occasion, Dhole Patil and Khatawkar also shared their thoughts.
Swapnil Dangrekar, an adjudicator from Guinness World Records, presented the official certificate in the presence of CM Fadnavis to Bharat Vikas Parishad Viklang Punarvasan Kendra. A documentary film showcasing the record-setting effort was screened, and representatives of the sponsoring institutions were felicitated.
