Two years ago, Anif Shaikh, a 36-year-old construction worker from Pune, faced a life-altering accident. While carrying a steel pole on a rooftop, the pole touched a high-tension wire, resulting in the loss of both his arms and his left leg. This tragic incident not only cost him his job but also plunged his life into darkness.
Anif found himself dependent on family and friends for his basic needs. His wife became his primary caregiver, feeding him, cleaning him, and helping him with every daily task. He felt like a burden, struggling to find hope in his new reality.
Meet Swara, a 9-year-old student who stepped into the Inali Foundation’s office . Her eyes, wide with determination, scan the room. She’s outgrown her orthotic aid—the one that once cradles her deformed tibia, a congenital anomaly that life dealt her. Now, she needs a new one.
As P&O professionals measure her fragile right leg, Swara tells me she studies in the fourth grade. “I want to be an IAS officer,” she confides, “A’s matter—they’re my stepping stones.”
The Handshake of Friendship 🤝
11 years ago, Bhagwat’s life took an unexpected turn when a bus accident robbed him of his right arm. As a shopkeeper, Bhagwat struggled to manage his store single-handedly, both literally and figuratively.
Enter Ganesh – a young man hired by Bhagwat to help run the shop but soon became his confidant and partner in chai breaks. Ganesh accompanied Bhagwat from their remote village of Sonepath, Maharashtra to various hospitals and NGOs in search of a lightweight functional prosthetic arm to replace his heavy, cosmetic one.
On August 19th – the day of Raksha Bandhan – Kamini and her brother set off on a journey from Pilbit, UP to the Inali Foundation’s office in Pune. Kamini, who had lost her arm in a tragic road accident last year, had almost given up on the cherished tradition of tying a rakhi – a symbol of the sacred bond between siblings.
When we heard her remarkable story, we decided to make her wishes come true. We decided to create a special Raksha Bandhan event where Kamini, armed with her newly received prosthetic arms, tied a rakhi, fed sweets, applied tilak – not just to her brother but also to several others in the office.
Transforming Lives: Siddharth's Journey to Independence
In 1990, Siddharth Davale took on a job as a watchman to support his family. Seeking extra income, he joined a construction crew, and life took a tragic turn. An accident with a high tension wire left Siddharth burned and without both his arms. For 20 years, he depended on others for the most basic tasks, from eating to dressing himself.
In 2004, he tried a prosthetic arm he received from a government camp, but its weight caused unbearable shoulder pain and he eventually stopped using it because of the lack of functionality. "It lies collecting dust under my bed," Siddharth shared.
Recently, he learnt about the Inali Foundation through a grassroot organization. The lightweight electronic arm renewed his independence. For the first time in 20 years, Siddharth could drink water on his own, and he cried tears of joy.
The real tragedy isn't just the accident but not knowing about solutions that have existed for years. Help us spread the word and reach individuals like Siddharth who need functional and lightweight prosthetics. Together, we can restore dignity and independence.
Mohammad Alifa, a 19-year-old boy from a poor family in Andhra Pradesh, has faced more challenges. At just 17, his life changed forever when he lost his leg in an auto accident. For a year, he struggled to move around with a leg stand and other accessories, unable to afford a prosthetic leg.
Life was hard for Mohammad and his family. He had to rely on his mother for almost everything, and his dream of becoming a photographer seemed impossible. But then, through the help of humanitarian, and philanthropist Mr Sonu Sood, Mohammad learned about the Inali Foundation.
Ritu Sonanai's story is one of extraordinary strength and resilience. In 2016, while she was a final year BCom student, a devastating accident changed her life forever. An electric shock of 11,000 volts resulted in the loss of her right hand. This tragic incident forced Ritu to halt her education, a heartbreaking blow for someone who had always excelled in school and college.
Despite this setback, Ritu's spirit remained unbroken. Known for her bravery and intelligence, she had always been at the top of her class. She refused to let her circumstances define her. Ritu got married and began her new life, managing all household chores with just one hand. She even pursued her passion for sports, becoming a shotput player. Yet, one dream remained elusive: riding a bicycle.
