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Empowering with Dignity: AAI Distributes ₹3.2 Cr Assistive Aids to 802 Divyang Beneficiaries in Srikakulam
AAI CSR Aid Srikakulam initiative turned into a day of heartfelt smiles and life-changing moments as 43 categories of assistive devices worth ₹3.2 crore were distributed to 802 physically challenged beneficiaries across Srikakulam district. The event, conducted under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), was held in collaboration with Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).
This extraordinary initiative emphasized inclusion through action, delivering mobility and independence to hundreds of beneficiaries who had been identified through a special screening camp organized in January 2025.
A Day of Empowerment and Inclusion
The distribution ceremony was more than just an event — it was a celebration of human dignity, resilience, and hope. Beneficiaries included children, adults, and senior citizens with various physical challenges who received specially tailored assistive equipment based on individual assessments.
The aids distributed included:
Motorized battery-operated tricycles
Joystick-enabled motorized tricycles
Manual and electric wheelchairs
Hearing aids for the hearing impaired
Foldable walkers and Sugamya (accessible) canes
Orthopedic support items and mobility kits
Each device symbolized freedom, accessibility, and the opportunity to live independently.
Dignitaries Present at the Event
The event was graced by several senior leaders and officials:
Shri Vipin Kumar Garu, Chairman, Airports Authority of India
MLA Gundu Shankar Garu
MLA Baggu Ramanamurthy Garu
District Collector Swapnil Dinakar Garu
Senior officials from AAI, ALIMCO, and district administration
Their presence emphasized the seriousness with which the government and institutions view the cause of inclusive development.
CSR With a Human Touch
Speaking at the event, AAI Chairman Shri Vipin Kumar reiterated AAI’s commitment to social responsibility and accessibility for all. He emphasized that the CSR initiative was not just about delivering equipment but about restoring self-confidence, dignity, and equality to India’s divyang population.
“We believe accessibility is a right, not a privilege. This initiative is a small step towards an India where every citizen, regardless of ability, can live a life of dignity,” he said.
TRENDING
Identified Through a Statewide Screening Camp
The 802 beneficiaries were identified through a comprehensive screening and evaluation camp held in January 2025 across Srikakulam. Medical experts, social welfare officers, and ALIMCO representatives conducted assessments to match each individual with suitable mobility and support devices.
This ensured that the distributed equipment was personalized, medically appropriate, and effectively usable, resulting in maximum impact on daily life.
Words from the Ground
The emotional weight of the day was captured through the reactions of the beneficiaries and their families. Smiles, tears, and expressions of gratitude were abundant as individuals tested their tricycles, moved independently in wheelchairs, or heard clearly through their new hearing aids for the first time.
One young boy, age 12, who had never walked unassisted, moved around proudly using a foldable walker. His mother said with tears in her eyes:
“This is the first time I’ve seen him walk confidently in public. I don’t have words to thank you.”
Political and Administrative Support
MLA Gundu Shankar Garu and MLA Baggu Ramanamurthy Garu lauded AAI and ALIMCO for their humanitarian efforts and urged more organizations to come forward for similar programs. District Collector Swapnil Dinakar Garu ensured smooth coordination across all departments to make the event successful.
Local officials from health, social welfare, and rural development departments worked tirelessly to ensure hassle-free delivery, training, and documentation.
ALIMCO’s Role in Assistive Technology
ALIMCO, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, played a pivotal role in this initiative. As a leader in the manufacturing of assistive aids, ALIMCO not only provided equipment but also deployed technicians and physiotherapists to train beneficiaries in usage and maintenance.
This holistic support ensured that each aid would have a sustainable impact, empowering users to integrate the devices into their daily lives.
Final Thoughts
The AAI CSR Aid Srikakulam event stands as a powerful testimony to inclusive development. It reflects what can be achieved when government bodies, public sector enterprises, and civil society come together with a shared purpose — to lift people up, restore dignity, and create a barrier-free India.
As the beneficiaries left the venue with a new lease on life, the message was loud and clear:
Empowerment begins with accessibility. Inclusion begins with empathy.
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