More than 100 people who lost limbs due to accidents, illness and workplace injuries gathered at Dadar East’s Nico Hall on Sunday for a free prosthetic screening camp that many described as a second chance at rebuilding their lives.
The day-long camp, organised by Narayan Seva Sansthan in association with Shri Radha Krishna Charitable Foundation USA, screened beneficiaries for customised prosthetic limbs that will be provided over the next two months using digital measurement and 3D socket technology.
Advanced prosthetic limbs displayed during the free screening and measurement camp held at Nico Hall in Dadar East
But beyond the medical screenings, the event became a gathering of survival stories — from a national-level para athlete who lost both legs in a Mumbai local train accident to workers whose livelihoods disappeared after amputations caused by workplace injuries and illness.
‘I wanted to dance again’
Among those at the camp was 24-year-old Agnal Naidu, who lost both legs in a Mumbai local train accident in December 2021. Naidu said he had travelled alone by train for the first time after his scooter was seized by a bank over an unpaid loan.
“On December 27, 2021, after my dance class, I was taking a train from Santacruz to go home in Mankhurd. And while getting on the train, I slipped, and one of my legs got stuck between the gap of the platform and the train,” Naidu told mid-day.
“There were six coaches which went over my leg… after that, another few trains passed over my second leg, leading to that also being severed,” he claimed. Naidu said he battled depression after the accident but found hope through dance and para sports.
“I had contemplated ending my life, but the thought of my mother being alone stopped me,” he said. Today, he has won two national-level gold medals representing Maharashtra in para basketball, along with a silver medal in Frisbee throw, and may get an opportunity to attend a handball training camp that could lead to selection for India in Spain.
Stories of survival
Yogendra Sawant, former newspaper vendor
Sawant, who delivered newspapers even during the COVID years, lost his leg after a small injury worsened into gangrene during the 2024 monsoon season. “One of the days when I was out, I guess I stepped on a nail, or some sharp object, which led to a cut in my left leg,” he said.
“The whole time from getting nicked through my shoes to the amputation was so small, I didn’t have enough time to process.” Sawant said he has since been unemployed and is surviving on savings. “If I do end up getting it in two months and it is comfortable, I will be able to resume my work easily and then earn for myself again.”
Gokul Panchpute, steel worker
The 21-year-old lost both hands in an electrocution accident at a steel workshop in Beed around 10 months ago. “I worked at a steel working place in Beed, and one random day I had an accident with some tools and both my hands were severely damaged,” he said. Panchpute attended the camp to be assessed for hand prosthetics.
Santosh Dawre, heavy vehicle driver
Dawre lost his right leg in a heavy vehicle accident around 2016 and said he has struggled to hold on to jobs since. “They said I couldn’t do it properly,” he said, referring to his recent layoff. “I am looking forward to getting my prosthetics… then I will be able to easily get another job and earn for myself again.”
What makes these prosthetics different from the ones usually available?
According to organisers, the Narayan Modular Artificial Limb uses Japanese and German engineering technology along with 3D-printed socket systems.
Features include:
>> Digital body measurement
>> Lightweight components
>> Better balance and mobility
>> Reduced friction and pain
>> Improved fitting precision
>> More ergonomic and durable design
People who lost limbs due to accidents, illness and workplace injuries gather for the prosthetic screening camp organised in Dadar East. Pic/Ashish Raje
What organisers said
Dr Manas Ranjan Sahu said the technology allows prosthetic limbs to be customised according to each person’s body structure. “This significantly reduces issues such as friction, pain, and imbalance, enabling users to walk and move in a more natural manner,” he said.
MLA Kalidas Kolambkar, who attended the camp, said the initiative was about restoring dignity and independence. “When a person stands on their feet again after years or regains the ability to work with their hands, it symbolises not just medical care but the rebuilding of life itself,” he said.
