Embassy of India

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Press Release

Inauguration of the “Jaipur Foot Camp” in Madagascar

The first ever “Jaipur Foot Camp” jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Ministry of Public Health of Madagascar was inaugurated by the First Lady of Madagascar H.E. Mrs. Mialy Rajoelina in Antananarivo on 12 November 2024. Minister of Public Health H.E. Mr. Zely Arivelo Randriamanatany and other Members of the Government of Madagascar as well as the Governor of Analamanga Region H.E. Mr. Hery Rasoamaromaka took part in the event. It was also attended by Ambassador of India H.E. Mr. Bandaru Wilsonbabu as well as the members of Indian Diaspora in Madagascar.

2. In her speech, the First Lady H.E. Mrs. Mialy Rajoelina thanked the Government of India for organizing the Jaipur Foot Camp in Madagascar and hoped that Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS/ Jaipur Foot NGO) will impart training on Jaipur Foot technology to the local technicians in order to maximize the benefits for the disabled in Madagascar. First Lady also paid a visit to the camp site and witnessed the disabled regaining their mobility after the fitment of artificial limbs.

3. President of BMVSS Ambassador (Rtd) Satish Mehta spoke about the distinctive features of Jaipur Foot technology and said that BMVSS had so far organized Jaipur Foot Camps in 44 countries across the world. He offered to train the technicians from Madagascar in Jaipur Foot technology. In his address, Ambassador Bandaru Wilsonbabu thanked the First Lady and the Minister of Public Health for their gracious support to the Jaipur Foot Camp. He said that the organization of the Camp symbolized the deep rooted friendship between India and Madagascar as well as the growing partnership between the two countries in the field of healthcare. He also expressed his deep gratitude to Axian Group, Viseo Foundation, Mahatsangy Association and Members of the local Indian Community for their contribution towards the logistical arrangements of the Jaipur Foot Camp.

4. The Jaipur Foot Camp is an initiative under the “India for Humanity” Program of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, which was launched in 2018, on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Camp is being held at Zone Galaxy Andraharo (Titan VI) in Antananarivo until 18 December 2024, during which more than 500 disabled people are expected to receive free of cost fitment of artificial limbs. This is in line with the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The whole world is one family) and Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). As a close neighbor and fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean region, India will remain a reliable and committed partner in the developmental journey of Madagascar.

12 November 2024

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