2007 Equality Award Laureate
Devendra Raj Mehta, Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti
| Laureate Country: Jaipur, India |
| Project Country: India |
| Website: http://www.jaipurfoot.org |
| Video: 2007Videos/devendra_raj_mehta.mov |
Devendra Raj Mehta engineers ingenious, low-cost technology to provide prosthetic limbs for amputees.
Most of the world's 18 million amputees live in remote, poor, and war-ravaged areas where landmines and accidents are increasing the numbers of disabled people. Prosthetics are expensive, and people without a limb often become socially isolated and cannot earn a living.
Devendra Raj Mehta helps restore mobility and dignity. The Jaipur foot he provides is lightweight, strong, and has virtually the same range of movement and appearance as a human foot. Users can do everything from running and pedaling a bicycle to removing shoes for cultural ceremonies. Amputees who visit Mehta's clinics or mobile workshops receive their new limbs at no cost, and can return to improved lives in just a day or two.
