In a world often dominated by personal ambition and fleeting recognition, few individuals leave behind a legacy that truly transforms millions of lives. One such revolutionary figure is Mr. D.R. Mehta – the visionary founder and Chief Patron of Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the parent body of the world-renowned Jaipur Foot.
In the picture, among others, from L to R: Prem Bhandari, D.R. Mehta, differently-abled Kamala- recipient of an artificial limb, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Narendra Modi.
Founded in 1975, BMVSS under Mr. Mehta’s leadership has become the world’s largest organization for the rehabilitation of the physically challenged. It has provided dignity and mobility to more than 2.4 million beneficiaries, offering artificial limbs, calipers, and other aids – all completely free of cost to those in need, 95% of whom live below the poverty line.
What sets Mr. Mehta apart is his patient-first, humane approach. With an open-door policy and same-day prosthetic fittings, BMVSS operates around the clock to ensure that patients don’t just get help – they get it with dignity, speed, and compassion. His model has not only inspired millions but has also caught the attention of prestigious institutions. Both Harvard Business School and IIM Bangalore have written case studies on BMVSS and Jaipur Foot. Renowned management guru Prof. C.K. Prahalad even featured BMVSS in his iconic book The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid.
Seen in the picture, among others, from L to R: D.R. Mehta, Prem Bhandari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Phadnavis. Seated is a differently-abled boy who received an artificial limb.
Mr. Mehta’s impact is international. He has spearheaded 114 limb-fitment camps across 44 countries, including conflict-ridden areas like Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine. His model blends technology with empathy, partnering with institutions such as Stanford University, MIT, and IITs to continuously upgrade BMVSS’s innovation. TIME Magazine recognized the Jaipur Knee, developed with Stanford, as one of the 50 Best Inventions of the World in 2009.
A staunch Gandhian, Mr. Mehta practices what he preaches. Through initiatives in remote, violence-hit areas like Sukma and Dantewada, he has brought hope where it was long lost. His literary work includes over 70 books on Gandhism and peace, and he holds key positions in Gandhian institutions.
In recognition of his unparalleled service, Mr. Mehta has received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan (2008), Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Award (2012), and international honors such as the TECH Museum Innovation Award (USA).
Before his social work journey, Mr. Mehta was a distinguished IAS officer (1961 batch), holding critical positions in both state and central governments. He served as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and later as Chairman of SEBI, where he oversaw landmark reforms in India’s capital market from 1995 to 2002.
Born in 1937, Mr. Mehta is an alumnus of Rajasthan University, Royal Institute of Public Administration (London), and the Alfred Sloan School of Management, MIT. He has also served on MIT’s board for Asia, Europe, and Africa.
In a time when the world searches for authentic leadership, Mr. D.R. Mehta stands tall as a true hero- a revolutionary who turned empathy into action, and vision into global impact.
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