On October 2, 2024, coinciding with the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, Dr. Shruti More Bhardwaj from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, was honored with the prestigious Sant Ishwar Award. This award, considered India’s largest service honor, was presented to her for her pioneering work in early intervention within the disability sector and her exceptional contribution to the community through the launch of India’s first mobile therapy van.
The award ceremony took place at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, and recognized the contributions of 17 individuals from various fields, including art, literature, environment, health, and education. Dr. Bhardwaj, an occupational therapist, was celebrated for her groundbreaking initiative Therapy on Wheels, which has significantly improved access to essential therapies for children with disabilities in the remote regions of Himachal Pradesh.
The Samphia Foundation and Therapy on Wheels
Dr. Bhardwaj’s journey into disability care began with a transformative encounter with a disabled girl in Kullu who struggled with menstruation. This experience ignited her passion for supporting children with disabilities, leading her to establish the Samphia Foundation, a non-profit organization that operates the Ash Child Development Centre. Through this foundation, she has focused on early intervention and disability awareness, with a particular emphasis on remote and underserved areas of Himachal Pradesh.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for children with physical and developmental disabilities in Kullu and the surrounding areas. With therapy centers being inaccessible due to lockdowns, children in hilly regions were unable to receive the necessary care. Recognizing this gap, Dr. Bhardwaj launched Therapy on Wheels on December 3, 2020, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The mobile therapy van, a vibrant yellow vehicle, was equipped to deliver physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to children in their own villages.
A Mobile Therapy Clinic: Breaking Barriers to Accessibility
The Therapy on Wheels van is not just a regular medical vehicle; it is a child-friendly, fully equipped mobile clinic designed to meet the therapeutic needs of children with disabilities. The bus is custom-fitted with a treadmill, an extendable ramp, and childproof safety features, ensuring that children can receive care in a non-clinical, welcoming environment. The ramp can be converted into a floor with collapsible sidewalls and a roof, providing additional space for therapy sessions. Inside the van, a projector and a mounting system are used for educating local communities about disability awareness and the importance of early intervention.
Dr. Bhardwaj emphasized that the design of the mobile clinic was tailored to the challenging terrain of Himachal Pradesh, where narrow lanes and mountainous roads make it difficult to access healthcare facilities. "It exudes a positive vibe and looks nothing like a hospital," she said. The Samphia Foundation's goal is to expand this initiative across the entire state, replicating the Therapy on Wheels model in districts such as Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti. Dr. Bhardwaj’s vision is to ensure that every child with disabilities in Himachal Pradesh can access therapy services without having to travel long distances.
Rising to the Challenge During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought additional hardships to children with disabilities, who were among the most vulnerable populations during the nationwide lockdowns. Families in remote villages struggled to access basic healthcare services, and many children’s therapy sessions were disrupted. The Therapy on Wheels initiative proved to be a lifeline for these children, allowing them to continue their treatment in a safe and convenient manner.
With funding from CHAI (Catholic Health Association of India), the mobile clinic was retrofitted to serve children as young as seven or eight months old. The initiative has not only provided critical therapies but has also played an active role in spreading awareness about the importance of early detection and intervention for disabilities.
Recognition and Significance of the Sant Ishwar Award
The Sant Ishwar Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to selfless service in alignment with the values of Ahimsa Parmo Dharma (non-violence is the highest duty) and Ahar Nisham Seva Mahe (service day and night). The award is a testament to Dr. Bhardwaj’s dedication to improving the lives of children with disabilities and her relentless efforts to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of where they live.
Notable attendees at the award ceremony included Mahamandaleshwar Gita Manishi Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. During the event, Rijiju spoke about the disparity between social media influencers who often receive more attention than individuals who make real contributions to society. He urged the media to highlight positive stories like those of Dr. Bhardwaj, which reflect the true spirit of service. Chief Minister Yadav also acknowledged the unique ethos of service in India, highlighting the importance of selflessness in building a better society.
A Vision for the Future: Expanding Services Across Himachal Pradesh
With the success of the Therapy on Wheels initiative, Dr. Bhardwaj is now looking to expand the program to other districts in Himachal Pradesh. The mobile therapy model is particularly well-suited for the state’s rugged terrain, where access to healthcare services is often limited. By bringing therapy directly to the children who need it, the Samphia Foundation is breaking down barriers to care and ensuring that children with disabilities can thrive.
Dr. Bhardwaj’s long-term goal is to replicate this model across India, particularly in other remote and underserved areas. Her work serves as an inspiring example of how innovation, compassion, and dedication can come together to create meaningful change in the lives of those who need it most.
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