INR 50 Lakh has been allocated under the CSR program for assistive devices such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, orthotics, etc.
Bengaluru, January 31, 2023: SBICAPS partners with APD to distribute assistive devices in Bengaluru through CSR project. The project, valued at INR 50 lakh, aims to empower 300 people with disabilities and special needs through the distribution of healthcare devices such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, orthotics, and prosthetics.
The 3-month long partnership with APD focuses on empowering children and youth with disability in healthcare and education. On January 30, 2023, 25 devices were distributed to beneficiaries at the Shradhanjali Integrated School grounds in APD Campus, Lingarajapuram. The goal is to aid persons with general disabilities, spinal cord injuries and help them attain functional independence.
Chief Guest for the function Shri Dinesh Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India (SBI), said “SBI and its subsidiaries are fully committed to nation-building through our various businesses and support to a range of social initiatives across India. We engage with causes on a national scale to local grassroots projects to improve lives. SBICAPS supports CSR projects, big and small, through its various partners by allocating a substantial portion of its bottom line to these efforts. Projects cover varied initiatives in healthcare, education, sanitation, disaster relief, child development, vocational training, and women empowerment, and even extend to niche areas like the preservation of art and culture.”
Jacob Kurian, Honorary Secretary, APD, said “It was a special day for APD to have the entire senior leadership of India’s biggest bank, SBI, visit our campus. By donating state-of-the-art hearing aids, prostheses and mobility devices, SBI – a leader in driving financial inclusion in India – enabled some of the most disadvantaged citizens with disability to take a big step towards becoming participants in a more inclusive India.”
Senior officials from SBI, namely Shri Swaminathan J, Managing Director (CB & Subsidiaries); SBI, Shri Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director & CEO, SBICAPS; and Shri Ravi Ranjan – President & COO, were in attendance.
Maj Gen Deepak Naidu, COO, APD; Mr Jacob Kurian, Hon. Secretary, APD; and Mr Pradeep Kumar Panja, Trustee, APD graced the function along with 200 guests including APD members, livelihood coaches, and trainers.
Ganga, a peer trainer with a spinal cord injury who counsels others like her at APD, said, “By providing me with customised callipers and a wheelchair, APD has helped me be a contributing member of my family and community.”
The Association of People with Disability has been successful in producing nearly 5000 assistive products last year in Karnataka alone. The organisation has had a long-term partnership with SBI, especially in the two aspirational districts of Raichur and Yadgir, but this is the first engagement with SBICAPS.
SBI CAPs CSR association with APD has been facilitated by Give Grants, which enables corporates to deliver maximum social impact by partnering with trusted NGOs. Over the next few months, the project will see assessment and measurement camps run for beneficiaries, followed by product fittings and training.