India Launches Life-Changing Prosthetic Limb Initiative in Guatemala, Celebrates 53 Years of Diplomatic Ties

May 20, 2025: In a significant humanitarian gesture, India will provide approximately 600 artificial limbs to individuals in need in Guatemala, marking a powerful symbol of bilateral friendship and cooperation. The initiative is set to launch with a 50-day fitment camp in October 2025, hosted within the premises of Guatemala’s Ministry of Defence.

The project is being conducted under India’s “India for Humanity” programme, in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS)—the organization behind the world-renowned Jaipur Foot prosthetic. This will be the 33rd international camp organized by India under the initiative.

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India’s Ambassador to Guatemala, Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, emphasized the importance of the project, saying, “This humanitarian initiative will not only provide life-enhancing support to its beneficiaries but will also serve as a testament to the deepening bonds of friendship between India and Guatemala.”

The camp will be conducted by a skilled team of seven technicians and two team leaders from BMVSS, supported by equipment and machinery that will be shipped to Guatemala in September.

Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, visited Guatemala to finalize arrangements for the initiative and to participate in events commemorating the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. During his visit, Bhandari delivered the official confirmation letter for the camp to Guatemalan officials, including Claudine Ogaldes, Executive Secretary of CONRED (Guatemala’s disaster response agency), and William Oswaldo, Inspector General of the Army.

Bhandari highlighted the philosophy behind the initiative, stating, “We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—‘the world is one family.’ We are committed to providing free artificial limbs to our brothers and sisters across the globe.”

The announcement was attended by Guatemala’s Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez, alongside members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, and local business leaders.

BMVSS, founded in 1975 by DR Mehta, has provided nearly 2.3 million prosthetic limbs and assistive devices worldwide. DR Mehta has been recognized with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors.

In addition to the limb fitment camp, the Indian Embassy in Guatemala also announced plans to organize the largest International Day of Yoga celebration outside India on June 13, with an estimated 12,000 participants expected to join.