Diplomat Correspondent
Poonch: DD, In a remarkable humanitarian initiative, the Indian Army, in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur, conducted a Mega Medical and Assistive Device Distribution Camp at Jaran Wali Gali, Surankote on 08 July 2025. The event was a shining example of compassion, inclusivity and cross-sector collaboration aimed at enabling the specially-abled and economically weaker sections of society, across Poonch district. The day-long camp focused on restoring mobility, confidence and independence to specially-abled individuals by providing custom-fitted Wheelchairs, Elbow crutches, Blind sticks, Hearing aids and support devices. Each recipient underwent a detailed medical and orthopaedic evaluation, ensuring that the assistance provided was not only effective but also personalised. “A wheelchair may seem like a device, but for someone who has never moved freely, it’s a second chance at life,” said an elderly from Surankote, at the venue. The camp also delivered free medical consultations, essential medicines and preventive health education. Civilian doctors, Army medical personnel and BMVSS specialists jointly provided health screening, Ayush consultations, traditional remedies advice, Nutritional guidance and hygiene awareness. Locals, especially from remote and hilly areas, travelled significant distances to avail these free-of-cost, high-quality services. Shabnam Bi, a 80-year-old woman from Gursai Tawi , said, “Meri beti ko jab wheelchair mili, meri aankhon mein aansu aa gaye. Army aur Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) ne hamari zindagi mein roshni laayi hai.” (“When my daughter received her wheelchair, I couldn’t hold back my tears. The Army and BMVSS have brought light into our lives.”) Haji Nazir, a farmer from a nearby village, added, “Itni doori tay kar ke aaye, lekin yahan aake laga jaise apne logon ke beech hain. Ilaj bhi mila, izzat bhi.” (“We travelled from far, but here we felt amongst our own. We received both treatment and respect.”) The initiative reinforced the deep-rooted trust between the Indian Army and the local population, serving as a testament to the Army’s ongoing commitment to “Seva, Samarpan aur Sadbhavna.”DD