50 Harley Davidson bikers ride from Bandra to Mahalaxmi to create awareness about physical disability in India

Mumbai: Google.org supported Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust, a Mumbai-based charitable organisation working in the space of disability and education organised a four pit-stop bike rally on 26th January from Bandra to Mahalaxmi to creat ​D​e awareness about physical disability in India. A total of 50 Harley Davidson bikers from HOGS (Harley Davidson Owner’s Group as they name themselves) participated in this rally. Wearing Ratna Nidhi T-shirts and carrying flags about Ratna Nidhi's massive Jaipur foot initiative, the bikers travelled to Mahalaxmi along Worli sea face.

The rally ended at Ratna Nidi Charitable Trust’s Mahalaxmi based Jaipur Foot Centre which has been providing free mobility equipment to the physically disabled since its inception three years ago. After a flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate India’s 68th Republic Day, bikers interacted with the beneficiaries.

Nine-year-old Abdul, one of the beneficiaries present at the event, was born without lower limbs due to a birth defect. He received Jaipur foot at one of the mobility camps organised by the Ratna Nidhi Chartiable Trust, last year. "My child’s life has changed completely. Now he can walk like a normal healthy person," said Abdul's mother.

“In our day to day life, we often forget to spare a thought for people with disabilities. This initiative is a reminder that we all are citizens of the same country and we must respect and preserve the right of India's 70 million people with disabilities,” said one of the bikers.

“Harley Davidson represents passion for biking. Similarly, we have a passion for serving the disabled and underprivileged sections of society. We are grateful for their support” explained Rajiv Mehta, Trustee, Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust.