Pune, February 28, 2023: In a bid to empower differently-abled persons, India's leading financial services group Bajaj Finserv has launched an initiative to provide high-tech mobility solutions to integrate them into mainstream society.
The initiative was launched with the distribution of hi-tech mobility devices that convert a wheelchair into a roadworthy vehicle, to a total of 40 individuals in Pune. The device has been developed by NeoMotion, a start-up from R2D2 of IIT Madras. It comprises NeoFly, a compact, personalised wheelchair designed to best fit a user's health and lifestyle, and NeoBolt, a hi-tech motorised add-on that transitions it seamlessly into an outdoor mobility device.
According to Bajaj Finserv, the initiative named ‘Accessibility & Freedom’ is part of Bajaj Finserv's social responsibility programme, aimed at driving equitable and inclusive opportunities for children and youth. It is being funded and driven through its subsidiary, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, in partnership with Round Table India, a non-profit working to improve the lives of differently-abled persons.
The hi-tech mobility solutions are compact wheelchairs customised to an individual's posture and energy and fitted with a motor-powered clip-on device that converts the wheelchair into a safe, roadworthy vehicle. It eliminates the need to transfer the person into other vehicles and can be independently attached by the user within seconds.
The wheelchair has a maximum speed of 25 kmph and can travel up to 25 km per charge. The vehicle enables differently-abled persons to move outdoors and explore more educational and livelihood opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shefali Bajaj, Chairperson of the CSR Steering Committee, Bajaj Finserv, said, "The initiative is life-transformative for the differently-abled. It ties in with our efforts to advance inclusion among children and youth by giving them equal access to resources, health, education, and opportunities. The hi-tech device gives recipients improved access, a feeling of freedom and goes a long way towards integrating them into mainstream society. It is heart-warming to see the smiles on recipients' faces when they receive the devices. For us, it's deeply satisfying to be able to make a tangible impact on people's lives."
The first recipients of the solution were largely individuals with quadriplegia, including ex-servicemen, para-athletes, and homemakers. Under the initiative, 200 hi-tech mobility solutions will be provided by Bajaj Finserv to recipients across India.
Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, said, "As a group, Bajaj Finserv has always believed in giving back to society and making a positive impact on communities. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance resonates with the Group's philosophy and strives to take measures that add value to the lives of our citizens. Many fellow Indians who use wheelchairs face numerous challenges in their routine lives, restricting their career opportunities and thus hampering them economically. As part of this initiative, we have donated 200 hi-tech mobility solutions to suit users' health and lifestyle needs, empowering them to move around with much ease. We endeavour to make a difference in society and contribute to the well-being of the citizens of this country so that they can live a life of dignity."
Ajay Sathe, Group CSR Head, Bajaj Finserv, said, "The initiative illustrates how technology can be leveraged for social impact. The hi-tech mobility solutions improve access for differently abled persons, enabling them to pursue an active liberated lifestyle. With the increased availability of these devices, the macro socio-economic impact can be significant. We are happy to associate with Round Table India. They have done commendable work in identifying the recipients and getting this initiative off to a great start."
