Draft:Sudheekshan Foundation
Sudheekshan Foundation
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The Sudheekshan Foundation is a non-profit, secular humanitarian organization based in Andhra Pradesh, India. Established in 2006, it focuses on road safety awareness, providing rehabilitation support for accident victims, and conducting community welfare programs in health and education.[1] The foundation was founded by Chigurupati Vimala in memory of her son, Chigurupati Sudheekshan, following his death in a road accident.
History
[edit]The Sudheekshan Foundation was founded by Chigurupati Vimala. Its establishment was prompted by the death of Vimala's son, Chigurupati Sudheekshan, who succumbed to injuries from a road accident on **November 8, 2006**, at the age of 20.[2] Reports indicate that public apathy and delays in emergency medical care at the accident scene were contributing factors to his demise.[3] Motivated by this experience, Vimala resigned from her teaching profession to dedicate her efforts to social service through the foundation.[2] The organization officially commenced its activities on January 8, 2007, in Vijayawada.[3]
The foundation's stated mission is to promote road safety, provide medical and psychological support to accident survivors, and facilitate access to health and education for underprivileged communities.[3] It holds affiliations with national and international bodies.[3]
Activities and Programs
[edit]The Sudheekshan Foundation's primary work involves providing rehabilitation support to road accident victims, specifically through the distribution of prosthetic limbs and mobility aids. This includes imported artificial legs and hands, as well as motorized wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, and calipers.[2][4] The foundation focuses on assisting victims who are in their productive or studying age, with costs for imported limbs reportedly ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹120,000.[4] Between 2007 and 2020, the foundation reported assisting approximately 6,500 individuals with prosthetic limbs, legs, hands, and motorized wheelchairs.[4] By May 2025, reports indicated support for over 5,000 individuals with prosthetic aids across districts including Krishna, West Godavari, Guntur, and Prakasam.[2][3]
In addition to physical rehabilitation support, the foundation implements various community programs:
- Road Safety Awareness: These programs are conducted in schools, colleges, and communities, often targeting individuals aged 16 to 40. Initiatives include educating on traffic rules, the importance of helmets and seatbelts, and providing first-aid training. The foundation also advocates for improved emergency medical treatment for accident victims.[2][3]
- Health and Medical Assistance: Activities include organizing free health check-up camps. The foundation has conducted eye screenings for over 20,000 children in government schools in Andhra Pradesh, providing free cataract operations, spectacles, and medicines. They also operate free eye check-up stalls in the Vijayawada region for 45 days annually during summer.[2][5]
- Educational Support: The foundation provides academic assistance to underprivileged students by supplying books and uniforms, and covering school and college fees. They also contribute to enhancing educational infrastructure in rural government schools by providing necessities such as school benches and fans.[2]
- Humanitarian Initiatives: These programs encompass the distribution of clean drinking water and vocational training initiatives, including life skills training for single mothers.[2]
The organization works in collaboration with medical professionals, hospitals, physiotherapists, and other non-governmental organizations to extend its services, particularly to remote and underserved populations.[2]
Public Recognition
[edit]The Sudheekshan Foundation has received public acknowledgement for its social and humanitarian service efforts. Public figures, including Nara Lokesh and former Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu, have praised the foundation's work.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ "A saga of determination and dedication". Times of India. 2015-04-29. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Turning grief into hope: A mother's mission for safer-roads". The New Indian Express. 2025-05-11. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
- ^ a b c d e f "By giving hope to accident victims, a mother remembers her deceased son". Times of India. 2019-09-23. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
- ^ a b c "Vijayawada is leading in Online Medical Crowdfunding 2.5 Cr raised through 14000 generous donors". APN News. 2020-12-31. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
- ^ "Sudeekshan Foundation Needs Your Support To Help Hundreds Of People With Visual Impairment". DonateKart. Retrieved 2024-06-20.