A young boy practices his first steps on a new prosthetic leg, his concentration evident as he navigates the paved courtyard. Behind him, adults watch quietly—some understanding exactly what this moment means because they’ve lived it themselves. This scene at Belgaum Lions Club’s Artificial Limbs Camp perfectly captures the life-changing work being done by Lions Clubs of District 317B.
For 120 individuals who gathered at the April 26, 2025 camp, this day marked a turning point. Each person arrived carrying their own story—farmers who lost legs to snakebites, accident victims, children born with limb differences, and adults whose mobility was claimed by various circumstances. What united them was the shared experience of adapting to life without full physical independence.
Belgaum Lions Club of the district partnered with All-India Jain Youth Federation’s Mahaveer Limb Centre, Hubbali, to address this need systematically. Building on their successful 2023 initiative that served 73 beneficiaries, the club expanded their reach significantly. The process began with comprehensive measurements and assessments, ensuring each prosthetic would provide optimal function and comfort.
The fitting ceremony, attended by District Governor Manoj Manek and project supporters, showcased the technical precision behind each prosthetic. Trained technicians worked with recipients to ensure proper alignment and function, while families observed the careful attention given to individual needs.
For children especially, these prosthetics represent more than mobility—they offer the chance to participate fully in school, play, and community activities.
The club invested ₹3.2 lakh in the project, securing funding through strategic partnerships with industries, local businessmen, NRIs, and community supporters. This financial commitment reflected their understanding that mobility affects every aspect of a person’s life—from earning capacity to social participation.
Hubli Pariwar Lions Club is another club that has been actively organizing artificial limb distribution camps in association with Mahaveer Limb Centre. The latter brings substantial expertise to this partnership.
Operating from the premises of Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in Hubballi, the Centre has provided approximately 55,000 artificial limbs across Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana over the last 25 years. Under Lion Mahendra Singhi’s leadership, the organization has conducted 350+ camps, making specialized care accessible in remote areas where such services would otherwise be unavailable. Lions Clubs of District 317B have actively supported this noble cause.
In a compassionate move, Mahaveer Limb Centre has recently started providing artificial limbs to animals, especially cows. One such recent case involved fitting a prosthetic limb to a calf injured in a railway accident. This comprehensive approach addresses mobility challenges across all forms of life requiring assistance.
Through their sustained commitment, Lions Clubs have created a model for community-based healthcare intervention that addresses real needs with measurable outcomes. The success of this program lies not just in the number of limbs fitted, but in the renewed independence each recipient carries forward into their daily life.