CHENNAI: The IIT-Madras on Tuesday launched the country's "first indigenously" designed standing wheelchair, 'Arise', which will enable a differently-abled person to shift from sitting to standing position.

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thawarchand Gehlot launched the standing wheelchair in Chennai.

'Arise - A Standing Wheel Chair' was formally launched by Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Hon'ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, @iitm_respark today.

Here are the exclusive pics of 'Arise' launch event held at #IITMadras. @TCGEHLOT @TcGehlotOffice pic.twitter.com/DKTiW4IzV8
— IIT Madras (@iitmadras) November 5, 2019

IIT, Madras "in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems has launched India's first indigenously-designed standing wheelchair," a release from the university said.

"It enables a differently-abled person requiring a wheelchair to shift from sitting to standing position, and vice versa, independently and in a controlled manner," it read.

"Thanks to a novel mass-manufacturable mechanical design.... and Phoenix's manufacturing capabilities, Arise will be made available at affordable prices," it said.

Gehlot lauded IIT, Madras for its initiative, and also recalled the Narendra Modi government's various welfare measures for the 'divyang,' including setting up five national-level sophisticated sports centres for differently-abled sportspersons in different parts of the country.

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