“Society is Responsible for Keeping Every Person Alive” – CM Devendra Fadnavis at Guinness World Record Event in Pune
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 20th April 2025: Emphasizing the core values of Indian culture, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Western culture believes only the powerful survive, but Indian culture asserts that every person who is born deserves to live — and it is society’s responsibility to ensure that.”
He was addressing a gathering during a prestigious Guinness World Record certificate presentation ceremony held in Pune.
The event, organized jointly by Bharat Vikas Parishad Disabled Rehabilitation Center and Dhole Patil Education Society, was held at the Bhandarkar Institute on Law College Road. The organization created a new world record by fitting 892 state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs to persons with disabilities within just eight hours.
The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, State Minister of Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil, MLA Siddharth Shirole, Chairman of the Disabled Rehabilitation Center Dattatray Chitale, Chairman of Dhole Patil Education Society Sagar Dhole Patil, Trustee and Center Head Vinay Khatavkar, Secretary Rajendra Jog, and Rajesh Pande, member of the Advisory Council of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
Service Over Records
Praising the initiative, Chief Minister Fadnavis said, “Those who work with a spirit of service don’t chase records, but they set examples. This achievement is a moment of rest, not the end of the journey.” He expressed confidence that the institution will continue its impactful work and may even surpass this record in the future.
He also proposed naming the center as the “Disabled Rehabilitation Center” during its silver jubilee celebrations, acknowledging its consistent contribution to the welfare of persons with disabilities.
National Focus on Accessibility
Highlighting the Centre’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis noted the establishment of ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) as a major step. “Earlier, these prosthetic parts had to be imported, but now, world-class technology is being developed in India itself,” he said. A government initiative is also underway to ensure these advanced solutions reach rural areas and benefit the most underserved populations.
Fadnavis added that a 100-day action plan is in place to improve accessibility in government offices and websites, demonstrating the state’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Guinness World Record and Community Participation
Swapnil Dangrekar, an official Guinness World Records adjudicator, formally presented the certificate to Bharat Vikas Parishad Disabled Rehabilitation Center in the presence of the Chief Minister. A video showcasing the record-setting event was also screened at the function.
Dattatray Chitale, head of the center, shared that this record was made possible through the generous support of numerous philanthropic individuals and institutions. “It’s not just about fitting limbs, it’s about restoring dignity and instilling values through service,” he said.
Leaders including Sagar Dhole Patil and Vinay Khatavkar also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of such humanitarian efforts and the transformative impact they bring to the lives of persons with disabilities.
The event not only celebrated a historic achievement but also highlighted how collective action and social responsibility can foster an inclusive and compassionate society.
