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Gujarat Govt Backs Para-Athlete's Olympic Dream with Rs 14 Lakh Prosthetic Legs

The Gujarat government has extended Rs 14 lakh in CSR support to para-athlete Gagdas Parmar for state-of-the-art prosthetic legs. Parmar, who lost both legs in a 2017 accident, aims to compete in the 100m and 200m sprint events at the Olympics. His father, a labourer, highlighted the family's poor financial condition, making the government assistance crucial. Parmar is now undergoing focused training with his new prosthetics to excel at national and international competitions.

Key Points: Gujarat Supports Para-Athlete Gagdas Parmar with CSR Funds

  • CSR funding for prosthetics
  • Olympic aspiration in sprint events
  • Support from CM Bhupendra Patel
  • Overcoming financial hardship
2 min read

Gujarat govt extends Rs 14 Lakh CSR support to para-athlete Gagdas Parmar for prosthetic legs

Para-athlete Gagdas Parmar receives Rs 14 lakh from Gujarat govt for high-speed prosthetic legs, fueling his Olympic dream in sprint events.

"My dream is to compete in the Olympics. - Gagdas Parmar"

Gandhinagar, January 4

Para-athlete Gagdas Parmar has received significant support from the Gujarat government to advance his sporting career. Gagdas, who lost both his legs in a tragic electric shock accident in 2017, was provided financial assistance of Rs 14 lakh under Corporate Social Responsibility funds, following instructions from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

With the government support, Gagdas, a native of Jetda village in the Vav-Tharad region of Banaskantha district, has been fitted with state-of-the-art high-speed prosthetic legs.

After receiving the prosthetics, Gagdas met CM Bhupendra Patel and expressed his gratitude, saying that his dream is to compete in the Olympics. Gagdas also noted his poor financial condition, saying that in order for him to continue sports, his father had to do labour, making the government assistance all the more helpful.

"I got sponsorship of Rs 14 lakh with which I have now got these prosthetic legs. And now I am preparing for future competitions. My dream is to compete in the Olympics. My financial condition was not good. In order for me to continue sports, my father does labour. I am grateful to the government for helping me get these prosthetic legs. I am really grateful," Gagdas said.

Gagdas' father, Thanabhai Jagtabhai Parmar, also expressed his gratitude to the government for the assistance provided to his son, saying, "He got to meet the CM and he talked to him. The Chief Minister said that you have won eight medals and if you work hard, we will support you. Our condition was not to buy these legs, which were worth Rs 14 lakhs. I am grateful to the Chief Minister for his help."

Gagdas is currently undergoing regular training and preparing for the 100m and 200m sprint events, aiming to deliver strong performances at national and international events.

Rahul Parmar, Gagdas' Consultant Prosthetist and Orthotist, said, "In order that he can start normal running, training is underway. We have started practice for 100m and 200m races. So all the activities are focused on that at the moment."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, a positive use of government resources! So many athletes struggle without support. Hope this sets a precedent and more para-athletes across India get similar assistance. Kudos to Gagdas and his father for their hard work.
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Aman W
While this is a good step, I hope the support doesn't stop at just providing the prosthetics. He will need sustained funding for training, nutrition, and travel for competitions. The government should have a long-term plan for such athletes.
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Sarah B
As someone who works in disability advocacy, stories like these are crucial. It shows what's possible with the right technology and support. The mental strength required is immense. More power to him!
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Vikram M
His father doing labour work to support his son's dream... that hits hard. This is the real India. So proud of this family. The government did the right thing here. Let's all support Gagdas in his journey!
K
Karthik V
Great initiative! But a question - are these CSR funds from a specific company? It would be good to acknowledge the corporate donor as well, to encourage more companies to step up for social causes.

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