Pranav Desai with Divyangjans (specially-abled individuals) / VOSAP

Over the past three years, I’ve witnessed how VOSAP (Voice of Specially Abled People) has been dedicated to empowering Divyangjans (specially-abled individuals) in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Ayodhya and Basti. Through our partnerships with local organizations and healthcare facilities, I’ve seen significant strides made in transforming the lives of thousands of individuals, helping them achieve economic independence and regain their eyesight through surgical interventions.

My Visit to Ayodhya: The Gift of Vision

On the first anniversary of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I had the privilege of visiting Deenbandhu Eye Hospital to witness firsthand the impact of VOSAP’s partnership with the hospital. Deenbandhu Eye Hospital, located in Ayodhya, has been a cornerstone for high-quality eye care, including cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and general eye health services. Over the past two years, VOSAP has been working alongside the hospital to provide the “Gift of Vision” to individuals in the Purvanchal region.

During the visit, I had the honor of meeting Nritya Gopal Das, a founding member of Deenbandhu Eye Hospital. He has been a vital figure in providing healthcare to the economically disadvantaged people of Purvanchal. With the addition of Kalyanam Karoti from Mathura, a long-time partner of VOSAP, we began extending our work into Ayodhya. Thanks to this collaboration, 3,762 individuals from Purvanchal have received cataract surgeries, fully funded by VOSAP, which has improved their quality of life and opened new opportunities for education, employment, and daily living.

The success rate of cataract surgeries at Deenbandhu Eye Hospital stands at an impressive 80%, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to high-quality care and modern surgical techniques. I had the chance to speak with patients who had traveled from 14 districts across Purvanchal to receive treatment. Many of them spoke Pali and shared how their restored vision had changed their lives. Recognizing the continued need for cataract treatments, I made a pledge to continue supporting cataract surgeries at Deenbandhu Eye Hospital in 2025 and beyond, ensuring that even more individuals in the region will have access to affordable, high-quality eye care.

Empowering Divyangjans in Harraiya, Basti

In addition to my visit to Ayodhya, I also traveled to Harraiya village in Basti district on January 11, 2025, to connect with beneficiaries and witness the impact of VOSAP’s enablement program for the Divyangjan community. VOSAP has been at the forefront of providing innovative assistive devices such as smart glasses and self-employment kits, like sewing machines, to empower Divyangjans to achieve economic independence and live with dignity.

My visit was hosted by Shri Yogeshwar Sewa Sansthan (SYSS), a local NGO partner. Shri Gopal, the founder, has played a key role in ensuring the success of VOSAP’s grassroots initiatives, making sure resources and support reach the people who need them most. During my visit, I was able to see firsthand how the provision of assistive devices and self-employment kits had empowered beneficiaries to build sustainable livelihoods. From women starting home-based tailoring businesses to individuals gaining improved mobility, these stories of empowerment were living proof of how VOSAP is creating lasting and meaningful change.

VOSAP’s Vision 2047: Building an Economically Thriving Community of Divyangjans

At the heart of VOSAP’s mission is my vision of creating a world where Divyangjans have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to society. This aligns with our Development Vision 2047, which aims to foster economic independence, accessibility, and inclusion for Divyangjans, contributing to a $1 trillion economy by 2047. Through continued partnerships and community engagement, I am committed to scaling our impact and driving systemic change for a more equitable future.

A Unified Effort for Change

My visits to Deenbandhu Eye Hospital in Ayodhya and Harraiya village in Basti are a testament to VOSAP’s commitment to empowering people in remote areas with a holistic approach. Whether it’s providing eye care or economic tools, VOSAP is ensuring that Divyangjans in Purvanchal have the support they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives. The endorsement of Maharaj Nritya Mahant Gopal Das Ji and Kamal Nayan Shastri Ji, spiritual leaders in Ayodhya, further solidified our partnership with local communities and demonstrated the wide-ranging support for VOSAP’s transformative mission.

This is just the beginning, and I am excited to continue this journey, working towards a more inclusive and empowered future for all.

 

The author is the founder of Voice of SAP (www.voiceofsap.org), an organization working in the disability sector and in a Special Consultative Status with UN Economic and Social Council.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)