BVP - Mobilizing the handicapped

Bharat Vikas Parishad is an International Voluntary organization having around 650 branches in 29 states of India. There are 25 branches of the organization in the state of Gujarat. The basic aim of this organization is to build national character by building individual character.

The earthquake devastated lives in more ways than one. Besides the loss of loved ones and property, many had to be amputated in order to be retrieved from the debris. The goal of this project is to rehabilitate those victims who had lost limbs and to enable them to lead an independent life.

To reach the handicapped people in the rural area, BVP decided to buy a van, and convert it in to a Mobile Workshop. This Mobile Workshop would serve about 2,000 people in 2 years around Bachau and it would continue to operate and serve the needy people beyond two years with the help of future donations. VIDE's commitment to this project is to fund the Mobile Van and workshop and bear the cost for two years. VIDE is sponsoring this project which has an estimated cost of USD 22,000. BVP's philosophy is based on the 5 S's: Sampark, Sehyog, Sanskar, Seva, Samarpan. Over the years, it has undertaken a variety of projects with highlights being the following:

* Vanvasi Kalyan Yojana - education of the most illiterate tribes in the country by adopting their children for education
* Vikalang Punarvas Centre - Rehabilitation centre for physically disabled people
* National Group Competitions - Promotion of national integration, sense of patriotism amongst the people by organizing school and college competitions.

Besides these, BVP regularly organizes camps in different parts of the country and provides artificial limbs, artificial hands, calipers, crunches, etc free of cost.

The Mobile Medical van has so far traveled more than 5,000kms and served more than 1,000 victims of the earthquake in the remotest parts of Bhuj and nearby areas. It examined more than 3,000 patients. It has provided crutches, lower limbs, upper limbs, calipers, orthoshoes, tricycles, walkers etc. to the needy people, apart from taking measurements and doing operations as and where necessary.

Project Owners:
Jagadeesh Maiya

Contact Information:
Dr. Paresh. C. Parikh
22, Lower Level,
Jaydeep Tower (basement), Between Shreyas Crossing and Gharnighar Derasar,
Vasana, Ahmedabad 380 007
Ph: (91)79-6636087
E-mail: pcparikh2000@hotmail.com
URL: http://www.bvpindia.org