NEW YORK (TIP): India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, will inaugurate a permanent prosthetic limb center in Port of Spain on Saturday, May 9, 2026, marking a significant humanitarian initiative supported by the world’s largest organization serving people with disabilities.
The center has been established by Jaipur Foot USA in partnership with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) and the Government of Trinidad & Tobago. It will provide locally manufactured prosthetic limbs to amputees and differently-abled individuals across the Caribbean nation. The Honorable Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, will co-preside over the inauguration ceremony.
Origins of the Initiative
The project traces its roots to September last year, when Jaipur Foot USA, alongside BRUHUD NY Seniors and Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) organized a grand reception in New York in honor of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar. The event also coincided with the birthday celebration of India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
It was during this gathering that Jaipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari officially announced the vision of establishing a permanent prosthetic limb center in Trinidad & Tobago an announcement that has now materialized.
Leadership and Representation
Representing Jaipur Foot USA at the inauguration will be Ajay Patel, Vice President for International Affairs and Chief Coordinator for the Trinidad project. He will be joined by founding members Dr. Sona Ramdath Jr. and Amit Alagh.
BMVSS Founder and Chief Patron D.R. Mehta has deputed prosthetics expert Gajender Lamba, who has already arrived in Trinidad & Tobago to conduct hands-on training for personnel from the Ministry of Health. The training focuses on the fabrication and fitting of the renowned Jaipur Foot—an affordable, durable prosthetic limb especially suited for tropical and rural environments.
Building on Proven Impact
This initiative builds upon the success of a 50-day prosthetic limb camp held in Trinidad last year, during which more than 800 differently-abled individuals received artificial limbs free of charge. The camp was supported by the Government of India, following a commitment made personally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Port of Spain.
Key Contributions and Legacy
Chairman Prem Bhandari paid special tribute to Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, Indian High Commissioner to Trindad & Tobago recognizing his pivotal role in both the 2025 camp and the establishment of the permanent center. His leadership and dedication were instrumental in transforming this vision into a lasting humanitarian reality.
Founded in 1975 by D.R. Mehta, BMVSS has rehabilitated over 2.5 million people across more than 50 countries through over 120 international camps. The Jaipur Foot remains one of the most widely used prosthetic devices in the developing world—symbolizing India’s grassroots innovation and commitment to accessible assistive technology.
(Based on a Press Release issued by Dr. Ravi Murarka)
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