Jobaaj Stories
Our 'soul purpose' or life purpose, which has been given to us by that supreme power, is one of the reasons we exist on this planet. We're all here to accomplish something. Something that improves everyone's life. It's just that, like Prashant Gade, we must recognize it when our soul draws us toward it. Prashant Gade is a philanthropist, writer, and speaker who is a blessing to those who have lost their arms or were born without them. Despite the fact that his journey has a very deep motivation, we will be discussing some major events from his life here.
Prashant's Journey to Purpose
Prashant was born in the Madhya Pradesh town of Khandwa in 1995. After finishing his education at St. Pius School in Khandwa, he dropped out of electronic engineering in his third year of graduation. Prashant had always felt a calling from his soul to do something different. His father wanted him to get the best education possible, but he also wanted to help people and make a difference in their lives.
Then he relocated to Pune in search of work, where he found one at Fab Labs, where he was paid Rs 5000 per month. Their eligibility criteria required a basic understanding of and knowledge of robotics and along with the job, he enrolled in a Massachusetts Institute of Technology online distance learning course (MIT).
The Turning Point: A Chance Encounter with a Young Girl's Struggle
Prashant Gade had a life-changing experience while working at Fab Labs and taking a distance learning course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His course required him to complete a project, and he found inspiration in Nicolas Huchet, a man who had lost his arm but built a bionic arm. However, it was an encounter with a seven-year-old girl born without arms in Pune that sparked his determination. Gade was deeply moved by the societal stigma that physically disabled people face in India, particularly young girls, as well as the high costs of prosthetic arms - around Rs 12 lakhs per hand.
The Birth of Inali Foundation: Turning Dreams into Reality
Prashant Gade, realizing he had found his calling, made the life-changing decision to drop out of his course for the second time. Despite his father's disapproval, he persisted and embarked on a mission to create affordable prosthetic arms. Gade, despite facing financial constraints and resource scarcity, innovated by creating prosthetic prototypes from everyday items, significantly reducing costs.
An NGO in Jaipur recognized Gade's efforts, and his prototypes gained attention from a US professor, leading to an invitation to present at a biomedical conference. Prashant Gade received ten machines from guests and professionals, establishing the Inali Foundation in India in 2015, and officially registered in 2018.
Innovative Prosthetic Arm Designs
The Inali Foundation has developed various prosthetic arm designs, including a single-button version for basic functions like drinking water and writing. The second type is more advanced, with sensors detecting brain signals and directing arm movements accordingly. Inali has also simplified a third type of gesture-based arm by developing low-cost sensors. Each prosthetic comes with a 2.5-year warranty that includes support for any functional defects as well as maintenance instructions.
Spreading Hope and Joy
The Inali Foundation's impact extends beyond physical assistance. It gives those it serves hope and joy. After receiving a prosthetic arm from Inali, a woman was overcome with emotion because she could finally comb her daughter's hair. Because of the generosity of the Infosys Foundation and other generous organizations, Inali is able to provide free prosthetics to those in need.
The Philanthropic Network Behind Inali
Several organizations and individuals have contributed to Inali's journey. Sudha Murthy, affectionately known as the Inali Foundation's mother, has been a resolute supporter. Organizations like the SRF Foundation and NASSCOM have also contributed to Inali's success. Corporations such as Xiaomi India and Gillette have made contributions through CSR initiatives.
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Prashant Gade's efforts were recognized in 2021 on an episode of the popular Indian television show "Kaun Banega Crorepati's Mission Karmvir."
Sonu Sood, an actor and humanitarian, has since linked the Inali Foundation with people in need of prosthetic arms, expanding their reach even further.
Prashant Gade envisions Inali becoming an organization that empowers people with disabilities by providing them with independence and inclusion in the future. He hopes that technological advancements will remove the barriers that disabled people face, resulting in a more equitable society.
Prashant Gade's transformation from a college dropout to the founder of the Inali Foundation exemplifies the transformative power of determination and innovation. Through his tireless efforts, he has not only provided functional prosthetic arms but also restored hope, dignity, and independence to thousands. Inali's mission is to empower people with disabilities by promoting a world in which disability is not a barrier to a fulfilling life.
Written by: Gauri Singhal
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