Say Yes to Access this International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Bangalore, December 4, 2023: On Sunday, December 3rd, the Association of People with Disability (APD) hosted a special event at Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Cubbon Park, from 10 am to 1 pm on account of International Day for People with Disabilities. The event was part of the organization’s larger ‘Yes to Access’ project, an initiative dedicated to creating a more accessible world for People with Disabilities (PwDs). As part of the project, a poignant Pledge was crafted to amplify awareness and support for an inclusive world.

Recognizing the profound impact of accessibility on people with disabilities – unlocking doors to education, employment, equal opportunities, and a barrier-free world – the event featured an array of performances showcasing the incredible talents of APD’s beneficiaries, students from Shradhanjali Integrated School, an inclusive school run by the organization, and dedicated staff. From captivating art displays to mesmerizing wheelchair dance performances, the event was a testament to the resilience and creativity of the disability community.

Distinguished guests graced the occasion, with Dr. Chethana Thirthahalli, Lead, Health, at HCL Foundation, serving as the Chief Guest. National Award-winning actor and former Member of Legislative Council (MLC), Tara, and Writer and Director, Gururaj Kulkarni Nadagouda also graced the occasion in a show of support.

Dr. Chethana emphasized the importance of collaborative action to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for persons with disabilities, underscoring the need for a united effort to create a more accessible and inclusive society.

Talking about the importance of accessibility, she mentioned, “Optimizing the health and well-being of people with disabilities is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Because the experience of disability is universal across the lifespan and impacts all areas of human life, disability is relevant to the implementation of all SDGs. It is inspiring to see the extent to which organizations of persons with disabilities are driving forward to involve people with disability in various ways.”

Dr Senthil NS Kumar, CEO, The Association of People with Disability (APD), shared, “India is home to a remarkable 22 crore people with disabilities (PwDs), yet their visibility does not align with this significant number. This invisibility is the reason why PwDs are often not a consideration when public and private infrastructure are planned. And, they are invisible because they currently lack access to these same public and private spaces to participate in a full and dignified life. Providing them access to a more inclusive and barrier-free environment could enhance their visibility and lead to better recognition of their needs.”

In her address about the programme, Ms Tara, former MLC said these children are like Gods. I salute the teachers for the patience with which they impart education to these children. Primary Education is far more bigger than the Ph.D. because it is in the lowest rung of education a strong foundation is laid for a bright future. This is the most appropriate and unique program for the children.

Experts Call for Awareness as India tops Global Thalassemia Charts with Burden of Over 10,000 Annual Cases

Mumbai, 4th December 2023: Thalassemia, a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin, presents a significant health challenge in India. With the world’s largest population of Thalassemia Major children, ranging from 1 to 1.5 lakhs, and around 42 million carriers of the beta thalassemia trait, the country is struggling with a substantial burden of this condition. Thalassemia was included under the Person with Disability Act as it is a lifelong disease and one where constant care and monitoring are required.

 As the most prevalent genetic disorders globally and in India, hemoglobinopathies, particularly Thalassemia Major, require focused attention. Thalassemia patients are mostly children who go through painful blood transfusions for several years. Continuous blood transfusions and iron chelation therapies have their challenges and risks for the patients. The implication of continuous blood transfusion and other therapies impacts the patient and their families and has a huge social and economic burden on the nation.

 Guidance related to treatment, financial support, and planning are the most critical factors affecting access to transplantation in India. To combat this challenge, DKMS BMST Foundation India has come up with a Thalassemia Programme for such patients.

 Dr. Santanu Sen, Consultant of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, said, “Thalassemia casts a substantial shadow on many lives in India, especially among children. Stem cell transplantation is a powerful tool in the arsenal against this genetic ailment. It is not just about treating symptoms; it is about providing a cure and enabling children to lead full, healthy lives. Stem cell transplants represent a pivotal shift in the narrative of Thalassemia, offering a brighter and more hopeful future for those affected.”

 Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS BMST Foundation India, said, “The DKMS-BMST Patient Funding Programme and the DKMS-BMST Thalassemia Programme, integral to the DKMS mission, strive to enhance accessibility to transplantation for underprivileged patients in India. Collaborating with local NGOs and transplantation clinics, the Thalassemia program organizes events facilitating free HLA typing for pediatric patients and their siblings. DKMS Germany covers the associated costs. This initiative extends support to cases without matching siblings, aiding in an unrelated donor search. Since 2018, over 14,800 Thalassemia children and family members have received free HLA typing, leading to 345 successful transplants and offering a transformative impact on their diagnostic accuracy and potential for stem cell transplantation.”

 In the battle against Thalassemia, survivor Gurnaz Kaur, diagnosed in 2013, was struggling with monthly transfusions and Iron Chelations; her parents sought a lasting solution. Consulting Dr. Joseph John from CMC Ludhiana, they embraced the hope of a blood stem cell transplant. Gurnaz, part of DKMS-BMST’s Thalassemia program, found a perfect match in her elder brother. The transplant, facilitated by CMCL and DKMS-BMST, unfolded a new chapter for her. Two years post-transplant, Gurnaz Kaur now revels in a healthy life, a testament to the significant impact of the program on her well-being.

 The life of Gurnaz Kaur and patients like her are true inspirations. DKMS-BMST works with 18 partners across India, like CMC Ludhiana and Kokilaben Hospital, to name a few, to continue the mission of supporting more patients under the Thalassemia program. With a vision to identify a matching donor within the family as well as support unrelated donor searches for patients who do not find a suitable match within their family.

 The UN designates December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and aims to raise awareness and understanding of various disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well- being of persons with disabilities. Thalassemia, as a disability, can be cured with a stem cell transplant, but there is only a 1 in a million chance that someone comes up as a match for a patient, and Indian patients mainly require an Indian tissue match. Blood stem cell donation is a completely safe process, and more and more young Indians need to come forward and register as potential donors.

Bry-Air conducts the 13th Biannual Eye Camp to support underprivileged people suffering from eye-related problems

New Delhi, 4th December 2023: Staying true to its commitment to enhancing lives through CSR activities, Bry-Air, the flagship company of Pahwa Group, organized its 13th Biannual Eye Camp at Moga, Punjab. The camp was conducted on 3rd December at Mathra Das Civil Hospital in association with a local NGO partner, Bhartiya Jagriti Manch.

 The camp was visited by more than 2500 number of people from the villages of Singha Wala, Naar Khote, Sapu Wala, Tareywala, Budh Singh Wala, Chadek, Malinwala, Khote Patti Mohabbat, Marion, Ramu Wala Kalam, and Moga district. During the camp, 104 number of people were identified with the need to get cataract surgery. As part of the initiative, 1200 medicines and 300 spectacles were distributed free of cost to the people attending the camp.

 The 13th Biannual Eye Camp was inaugurated jointly by Sanjeev Saini, Chairman, Blooming Buds School, Moga, along with Anandita Pahwa, Head-CSR Pahwa Group, in the presence of Indu Puri. Along with this, the camp was graced by the presence of Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora, MLA, Moga, and other eminent personalities of Moga as well.

 The company has been organizing the camp since 2012 as a gesture to pay tribute to Rai Bahadur Dr. Mathra Das Pahwa. During his lifetime, Dr. Pahwa conducted over half a million surgeries. Along with this, his relentless work as a philanthropist in the field of vision, especially cataract surgery for the underprivileged, won him the recognition of Netra-Dev (God of Eyes).

 Following his passion for helping people gain their eyesight, he created a record of conducting 750 operations in a single day, which made him the world’s greatest eye operator. Acknowledging his dedication to enriching lives through such initiatives, he has been commemorated with many awards, namely, Padma Shri (1954), the title of Rai Bahadur (1921), Kesari Hind- Gold Medal (1924), Kesari Hind- Silver Medal (1912).

 Carrying forward his legacy of conducting charitable work for the underprivileged in the field of vision and cataract surgery, till date the company has organized 115 eye camps where they have treated around 40228 people over the years. During the period, 3269 people have successfully received cataract surgeries, accompanied by the distribution of 24991 free spectacles along with 31623 free medicines.

Speaking on the occasion, Anandita Pahwa, Head -CSR Pahwa Group said, “As a responsible company, we firmly believe in bringing about the change in society we want, rather than waiting for the change to happen. Along similar lines, we keep conducting such CSR activities to help people with eye-related problems gain their eyesight. Owing to our continuous effort, we have been able to help a significant number of people over time and wish to support more people in the years to come.”

 Elaborating on the same, Bhartiya Jagriti Manch said, “As an organization, we diligently work towards enhancing people’s lives. The collaboration with Bry-Air gave us an opportunity to help create awareness and provide medical assistance to underserved people. It played a pivotal role in directly reaching out to the beneficiaries and providing them with the free-of-cost services at the camp.”