Mobility is freedom. It is the ability to move through life with confidence, to participate in society, to chase dreams without barriers. For individuals with spinal cord injuries, a wheelchair is not just a piece of equipment—it is a lifeline. At Saksham Ek Abhiyaan, through our Mission Wheelchair initiative, we are dedicated to restoring this fundamental right to those who need it most.
Imagine living in a world where stepping outside your home feels impossible, where even reaching the bathroom is a daily struggle. Sadly, this is the reality for many individuals, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. Limited resources, lack of accessibility, and social stigma often trap people with spinal cord injuries in their homes, leading to isolation, depression, and loss of independence. But a good-quality wheelchair can change all of that in an instant.
At Saksham, we believe that providing a wheelchair is not just about physical movement—it’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and hope. Our Mission Wheelchair programme is committed to distributing high-quality, customized wheelchairs that meet the unique needs of each individual. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every person’s body, lifestyle, and environment are different, and their wheelchair should reflect that.
However, our commitment doesn’t end at distribution. We understand that using a wheelchair effectively requires training, practice, and emotional support. That’s why we organize regular wheelchair skills workshops where beneficiaries learn how to navigate different terrains—smooth city pavements, rough village roads, crowded marketplaces. They are taught how to handle obstacles, climb ramps, and manage their mobility independently. This training boosts their confidence tremendously and reduces the fear and anxiety associated with moving through inaccessible spaces.
An often overlooked but crucial aspect of wheelchair use is healthcare. Pressure sores are a common and dangerous complication for wheelchair users if preventive measures are not taken. To address this, we provide specialized cushions and educate beneficiaries on hygiene, skin care, and equipment maintenance. These small but critical steps significantly enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals.
The impact of mobility is best captured through the stories of transformation we witness every day. Take Sunita, a young woman from a semi-rural part of Delhi NCR. Before receiving her wheelchair, Sunita was confined within her home, heavily dependent on her family even for basic activities. She often felt like a burden, her dreams slipping further away with each passing day. Everything changed once she received her wheelchair and attended our mobility training workshops. Today, Sunita moves around her community with confidence, participates in local events, and has even enrolled in an online course to continue her education. Her journey is not just about physical mobility—it’s about emotional liberation.
Mobility empowers individuals to reclaim every aspect of their lives. It opens doors to education, employment, social interaction, and even leisure activities. It allows individuals to rebuild their sense of self, to feel seen, valued, and capable once again. A wheelchair transforms the narrative from dependency to empowerment.
However, the road ahead is long. Many individuals across India still lack access to basic mobility aids. Cost is a significant barrier, with high-quality wheelchairs often priced beyond the reach of an average family. Awareness is another hurdle—many families don’t know where to seek help or what options are available. At Saksham, we are working tirelessly to bridge this gap. Through awareness campaigns, collaborations with hospitals, and direct outreach programs, we strive to ensure that no one is left behind simply because they cannot afford mobility.
Another important aspect of our mission is community building. Through events, meetups, and workshops, we bring together wheelchair users to share experiences, tips, and emotional support. This sense of community reduces isolation and fosters resilience. When individuals see others navigating life successfully with similar challenges, they find renewed strength to push their own boundaries.
Looking ahead, Saksham Ek Abhiyaan aims to impact the lives of over 5,000 individuals through our mobility initiatives by 2025. This is not just a number—it represents 5,000 stories of hope rekindled, dreams reignited, and lives transformed. With the continued support of donors, partners, volunteers, and well-wishers, we are confident we can achieve this and much more.
At its core, mobility is about choice—the choice to go where you want, when you want, and how you want. It’s about having the autonomy to live life on your terms. A wheelchair, though simple in design, is a powerful tool for change. It turns confinement into exploration, dependency into independence, and despair into possibility.
At Saksham, every wheelchair we provide carries with it a promise: the promise of freedom, dignity, and a second chance at life. Because we believe that everyone deserves to move forward—not just physically, but emotionally, socially, and spiritually
