Bangalore, May 23, 2024: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) hosted its first ‘Samarth Assistive Devices Conclave’ on Thursday during which it distributed 72 technologically advanced assistive devices to people with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Tarun Garg, COO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Hyundai Motor India is proud to spearhead 'Samarth by Hyundai' initiative, which reflects our commitment to leveraging technology for empowerment of individuals with disabilities. At Hyundai Motor India, we don’t just make cars but also believe in empowering society, and to empower society, we undertake social initiatives under the pillars of- Earth, Mobility and Hope. These are aligned with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Continue’ and propagate Hyundai Motor Company’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. ‘Samarth by Hyundai' is a manifestation of this belief. Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, we aim to create a more inclusive society and ease the way of living for people with disabilities in India. Providing assistive devices is a step towards strengthening our commitment for the nation’s comprehensive development. Through innovative solutions, we are determined to unlock the potential of individuals with disabilities and pave the way for a more empathetic and inclusive society.”
Designed under Hyundai Motor India’s ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ social initiative, the event showcased company’s commitment to harnessing technology for empowerment. In collaboration with its NGO partner - Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, Hyundai Motor India distributed 72 technologically advanced assistive devices under its Samarth Assistive Devices Programme by Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) and Samarthanam Trust for the disabled.
Under its ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative, HMIF has pledged to distribute a total of 684 assistive devices over the next three years, encompassing a wide range of innovations from hearing aids, wheel chairs, digital kits for the visually impaired to bionic limbs and other devices. These technologically advanced assistive devices aim to enhance mobility, vision, hearing, and communication capabilities for the recipients.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Founder, Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, said, “Progress for humanity means empowering every individual to reach their full potential. Our collaboration with Hyundai Motor India under the 'Samarth' initiative is a significant step towards creating an inclusive society where technology and compassion converge to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. We are committed to fostering a world where everyone can contribute meaningfully, and this partnership brings us closer to that vision.”
The day-long conclave served as a platform for crucial dialogues revolving around topics such as- enabling inclusion through assistive devices, challenges surrounding disability in India, along with investment in assistive technologies for para sports.
Distinguished panelists, including Vineet Saraiwala, Founder & CEO of Atypical Advantage, Arman Ali, Executive Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), Aditya Mehta, Founder of the Aditya Mehta Foundation, Inshah Bashir, Wheelchair Basketball player and many more, shared their diverse perspectives, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, and accessibility of assistive devices to foster a truly inclusive society.
Launched in November 2023, ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative aims to enable an inclusive, progressive world through the power of mobility. Through this initiative, Hyundai aims to help create a more aware and sensitized society towards people with disabilities in India. Hyundai Motor India under this initiative is ensuring that its website is user-friendly for people with disabilities. The company also strives to make its physical business locations accessible and accommodating to people with disabilities. Additionally, Hyundai Motor India is developing and introducing swivel seats and accessories with MOBIS in an attempt to enhance the differently abled friendliness of the cars.
Under the ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the philanthropic arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited has collaborated with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled to support individuals with disabilities and provide them with assistive devices.
Under the collaboration, HMIF & Samarthanam will create a program which will utilize blind cricket as a platform to enable physical & social development of visually impaired individuals in India. Through this collaboration, HMIF will support visually impaired cricketers by organizing various training camps for grass root and national level visually impaired cricketers. The program will also organize international bilateral series for the national blind cricket team, giving them bigger platforms to showcase their talent.
