Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti

Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti-BMVSS is a Jaipur-based non-profit organization, founded by D.R. Mehta in 1975. It is the world's largest organization for the handicapped in terms of fitment of artificial limb, calipers etc., providing them with artificial limbs, calipers, crutches, ambulatory aids like wheel chairs, and other aids and appliances totally free of cost.

The main objective of BMVSS is the physical and socio-economic rehabilitation of the physically disabled, especially the resource-less, so they may lead a life of dignity and become productive members of the community. It also conducts scientific and technical research in developing and improving aids and appliances for the physically challenged and also organizes workshops and seminars for dissemination of knowledge and expertise related to the manufacture of such products.

The Jaipur Foot 

BMVSS uses the Jaipur Limb technology, developed in India, which is the world's most functional limb technology.
The features of the limb or the Jaipur Foot, made through this technology, include:
 The Jaipur Foot has virtually got the same range of functions as the normal human limb
 It looks like a normal limb
 It is waterproof
 It may be worn with or without shoes
 The normal life of the Jaipur Foot is around 3 years
 It has both the contact socket and the outer socket
 The above-knee prosthesis is of highly advanced ischial containment variety
 While making the limb, the proper bio-mechanical alignment is ensured
 It is really a quick-fit limb. For example, a below-knee prosthesis can be made in three hours.
 It is lightweight. For example, for a middle-sized person the socket with belt and Jaipur Foot, the total weight of a below-knee limb varies between 1.3 kg and 1.5 kg

Progress 
Beginning with a very modest fitment of 59 artificial limbs in 1975, BMVSS is now fitting about 20,000 artificial limbs and about 30,000 Polio Calipers, and other aids and appliances every year in its centers and through mobile camps in India and abroad. The foreign countries that it has served include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, etc.

Awards 
BMVSS received the National Award for the best institution working in the field of Rehabilitation of the Disabled in 1998 from the Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. In the following years, it received awards including "Mahavir Award for the philanthropic services and welfare of the Handicapped", the "Tech award for Innovation for the benefit of humanity, and "Dr PK Sethi Award Innovation Award."

References

External links 
 https://web.archive.org/web/20120910010044/http://www.newsofap.com/newsofap-8804-25-bmvss-to-give-jaipur-foot-to-1000-iraqis-newsofap.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20101227131953/http://www.jaipur.cc/Jaipur_Foot.htm

Category:Disability organisations based in India