I will not rest till disability due to clubfoot is eliminated from India: Kunal Premnarayen

Clubfoot is a condition that affects thousands of children in India, yet it remains largely unknown to many. Unlike many other disabilities in newborns, clubfoot is completely treatable, allowing children to live a life free from physical limitations. Unfortunately in India many children do not receive treatment because their parents can’t afford the care need or due to the lack of healthcare facilities. Many children are left with lifelong disabilities that could have been prevented.

 

The Anushkaa Foundation for Eliminating Clubfoot, founded by Kunal Premnarayen and his family, is working to change this. Their goal is simple but ambitious, to ensure that no child in India is permanently disabled due to clubfoot.

 

Understanding clubfoot and Its impact

 

Clubfoot is a congenital condition where a baby’s foot is twisted inward due to tight tendons and ligaments. If left untreated, it can make walking difficult or even impossible, leading to severe physical and social consequences. The good news is that with proper treatment, particularly the Ponseti method—a non-surgical technique—clubfoot can be corrected, allowing children to walk, run, and lead normal lives.

 

Yet, in many parts of India, families are either unaware that treatment exists or cannot afford it. The consequences are heartbreaking. Children who could have been treated end up struggling with mobility issues for life, facing social stigma and isolation. In rural areas, the situation is even worse. Many families hide their children out of shame, and misinformation about the condition leads to devastating consequences.

 

Kunal’s struggle with clubfoot

 

For Kunal Premnarayen, the issue is deeply personal. “I was born with clubfoot, but I was fortunate enough to receive treatment, unlike thousands of children in India,” he shares. Thanks to early medical intervention, Kunal went on to represent India in the Davis Cup, an international tennis tournament. His success is proof that clubfoot, when treated early, does not have to be a lifelong disability.

 

However, Kunal also recognises the stark contrast between his experience and that of countless children across India. “It’s so sad and disheartening to see so many children being left disabled for the rest of their lives just because their parents could not afford treatment or could not access treatment,” he says. This realization led him and his family to establish the Anushkaa Foundation, ensuring that no child suffers due to a lack of resources or knowledge.

 

A mission to end a preventable disability

 

Kunal and his family have made it their mission to eliminate clubfoot as a disabling condition in India. “We intend to be present in every district of the country to make sure we achieve this dream,” he explains. The Anushkaa Foundation works to provide treatment, spread awareness, and make care accessible to even the most remote areas.

 

One of the biggest challenges they face is the stigma associated with clubfoot. Many families hesitate to seek treatment due to social fears or harmful myths. The consequences of this misinformation can be tragic. “There was a girl who was buried alive just because she was born with clubfoot—this is the extent of misinformation and stigma towards clubfoot,” Kunal reveals.

 

Changing these deep-seated beliefs is as important as providing medical treatment. The foundation not only helps children but also educates communities, showing them that clubfoot is not a curse or an irreversible condition, but a treatable medical issue.

 

The need for collective action

 

In developed countries, clubfoot has been virtually eliminated as a cause of lifelong disability. The reason is simple—early detection and access to treatment. India can achieve the same outcome, but it requires a collective effort. Healthcare providers, nonprofits, policymakers, and the general public must come together to ensure that no child is left behind.

 

The Anushkaa Foundation is leading the charge, working closely with doctors, hospitals, and community health workers to identify and treat children in need. But their efforts alone are not enough. The fight against clubfoot requires widespread awareness and support from people who believe in giving children a chance at a better future.

 

How you can make a difference

 

Eliminating clubfoot as a disabling condition in India is possible, but it requires resources, awareness, and collective action. You can help by donating to Anushkaa Foundation. Your contribution can help cover the cost of treatment for children who otherwise would not have access to care.

 

Clubfoot should never be a reason for a child to suffer lifelong disability. With early treatment, every child can walk, run, and pursue their dreams—just as Kunal did. Let’s ensure that no child in India is denied this opportunity simply because of a lack of resources or awareness.

 

Support the Anushkaa Foundation today here and be part of a movement that changes lives, one step at a time.

 

Support Anushkaa Foundation