HIIB distributes 150 smart canes to visually impaired persons

MLA Sham Lal Sharma presenting smart canes to visually impaired persons in Jammu.
MLA Sham Lal Sharma presenting smart canes to visually impaired persons in Jammu.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 25 : In a major boost to accessible mobility in the region, Hyundai India Insurance Broking (HIIB) Pvt. Ltd., under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative today distributed Saarthi Smart Canes and smart mobility devices to 150 visually impaired individuals.
The mega distribution drive took place at the Louis Braille Memorial Residential School for Sightless Girls at Roop Nagar, Jammu (Ward No 62) and was organized in close collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), J&K.
The advanced assistive devices distributed at the venue, valued at a total cost of Rs 6,00,000, have been developed by the Ahmedabad-based Torchit Foundation, the technical partner for this initiative, with the core objective of enhancing independent mobility, restoring confidence and fostering greater social inclusion for visually impaired individuals across the Union Territory.
The program was graced by chief guest MLA Sham Lal Sharma.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma emphasized that true societal progress is measured by how effectively a community integrates and supports its differently-abled citizens, noting that assistive devices like the Saarthi cane are pivotal in bridging the gap toward complete self-reliance.
He highlighted that fostering independence among the visually impaired is a fundamental step toward safeguarding their right to a dignified and equitable life, while praising the NFB and the school faculty for their tireless grassroots work.
Sharma officially committed an amount of Rs 10 Lakh from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) dedicated strictly to the ongoing development works and infrastructural upgrades of the Louis Braille Memorial Residential School.
Earlier, welcoming the initiative, M K Badyal, General Secretary of the NFB J&K, noted that this is the first time smart mobility devices are being distributed on such a large scale in Jammu & Kashmir, marking a historic milestone for the region.
The grand program concluded successfully with a vote of thanks.
Among others who were present during the function included Principal Nivedita Shukla of the host institution, Amit Aboti, Zonal Relationship Manager (North, Gurgaon), Hyundai India, Bilal, Dinesh Bahl, Rekha Manhas, Kapil Chib, Kuldeep Singh, Pankaj Padha and Suresh Khajuria.