Indian-American NGO raises over Rs 2 crore for specially-abled people

Washington, December 6

A US-based global NGO run by an Indian-American has raised over Rs 2 crore fund at its annual event for specially-abled people in India during which it launched a one-of-a-kind virtual exhibition of assistive technology solutions.

The exhibition, organised by Voice of Specially-abled People (VOSAP), was launched by Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi on Sunday.

The platform aims at helping people with disabilities and their families by making them aware more about available assistive products in the market and enabling their access to VOSAP exhibitions and talks free of cost.

“I believe the way to build an inclusive India for specially-abled people is through assistive technology. All those who are joining me in the conference, whether specially-abled people, innovators, investors, vendors, NGOs, who want to take the message forward, work with VOSAP, take actions,” Lekhi said.

In a letter to VOSAP founder Pranav Desai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the organisation and wished success for the virtual exhibition.

“This initiative of VOSAP to exhibit technology-based assistive solutions for Divyangjan (People with Disabilities) is commendable. The efforts of various stakeholders and institutions such as VOSAP are deeply valued,” Modi said.

The annual event raised donations and a matching pledge of USD 317,000 (INR 2.38 crore) to enable Divyangjan with assistive products. The one-of-its-kind exhibition will remain open to the public round the year. The virtual event had over 2,000 participants registered from 27 countries and exhibitors of four countries. PTI