Google.org grantee Ratna Nidhi Trust participates in Tata Mumbai Marathon to raise awareness for “Make Mumbai Disability Free” program
Mumbai – 21/1/18
Ratna Nidhi Trust fielded a contingent of 85 people today, out of which 77 ran the dream run to spread a strong message of ability over disability.
These included 4 Jaipur Foot beneficiaries and 26 participants from the Rotary club of Bombay Worli and other well-wishers and volunteers. 1 participant each ran the 10km and 42 km stretch, while 6 ran the half marathon.
Ratna Nidhi’s participation in the Tata Mumbai Marathon, was an extension of its “Make Mumbai Disability Free” program; which was initiated on August 14, 2017, by Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, Mayor of Mumbai.
As a symbolic gesture, all 77 participants will be wearing a cap with the ‘I love Jaipur Foot’ caption on it.
Two tall men on stilts also walked along the dream run track with the banner “Make Mumbai Disability Free”.
“Persons with disabilities need to feel that they are an integral part of our society, which will only happen when we recognise their ability, despite their disability. Our volunteers and beneficiaries will be walking together, raising awareness about disability inclusion and their rights as equal participants in society,” said Rajiv Mehta, Trustee, Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust.
The Ratna Nidhi Jaipur Foot beneficiaries running the marathon are-
1. Raju Kare (Truck accident) – 9969179226
3. Vishwanathan Gurav (Bus accident) – 9821042886
“I am here to show I have a life beyond my disability,” said Raju Kare, whose life changed dramatically after a truck accident. Ratna Nidhi Trust then helped him to get a Jaipur foot.
Few people know, that Ratna Nidhi Trust runs a “walk-in and get a free Jaipur Foot centre” in Mahalakshmi. The globally recognised, award-winning NGO also raised funds for the “Make Mumbai Disability Free” program at the marathon.
About Ratna Nidhi
About Google.org grantee Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust
Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust is a registered charity that was established in 1990 by Mr. Mahendra Mehta, declared Humanitarian Rose by the US Senate, the personal beneficiary of the World Bank with a special consultative status at the UN was a rare individual. He was born in Antwerp, Belgium.
It was set up in order to tackle the problems of poverty in Mumbai, especially amongst young children. From its humble origins as a family institution, it has grown rapidly and now its projects cover a wide range of activities across the world.
Eminent personalities like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi, Udit Raj, Ramdas Athawale and Shri Ratan Tata have supported their work. Some highlights of Ratna Nidhi’s work.
1. In just India, Mahendra Mehta is credited for helping over 2 million children through an assortment of educational, medical, developmental and various other initiatives
2. Ratna Nidhi has helped tens of thousands of children in Kenya, Afghanistan, Burundi, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic.
3. Ratna Nidhi is one of the largest donors of orthotics and prosthetics in the world.
4. They feed 4500 children in Mumbai every morning- over the last 15 years, this would amount to about 2.3 crore free meals.
5. They have distributed over 2.48 lac mobility aids, like Jaipur foot, polio calipers, wheelchairs and crutches.
6. They have distributed over 1.10 million garments to the poor and needy.