Sahayatha, meaning assistance, is not just a wheelchair; it’s a life-changing innovation designed to restore independence and self-respect to people with disabilities. Developed by Indian innovator Sruthi Babu and produced by Dhanvantri Biomedical Pvt. Ltd., the smart wheelchair merges advanced engineering with heartfelt empathy. Its unique design combines mobility and hygiene, making daily life easier, safer, and more dignified for thousands of users across India. Launched in 2022, Sahayatha gained national recognition when it secured ₹1 crore in funding on Shark Tank India, marking a major milestone for socially driven innovation. Today, this invention stands as a symbol of inclusive progress, backed by government support and real-world impact.

Born from a Daughter’s Promise

The story of Sahayatha began with a deeply personal struggle. When Sruthi’s father became paralyzed, she witnessed his pain and helplessness up close. His words, “It’s better to die than live like this,” became a turning point in her life. Determined to make life easier for him and others like him, Sruthi began working alongside her father, a mechanical engineer, to create something revolutionary. 

After five years of trials and 118 prototypes, they finally built Sahayatha, a smart wheelchair that goes beyond mobility. Its built-in hygiene system, a jet spray bidet powered by a rechargeable battery, allows users to clean themselves easily, preserving their privacy and dignity. The system uses a 3-liter water tank and a 300 ml high-pressure spray, reflecting the fusion of practicality and compassion that defines Sruthi’s design. Her father passed away before seeing the product’s full success, but Sruthi continued their shared mission to give back independence, confidence, and comfort to those who had lost it.

Engineering with Empathy: Features That Transform Lives

Sahayatha’s true strength lies in how it understands and responds to real human needs. Designed with care and precision, the wheelchair comes in two main variants: the S200 foldable version, which is lightweight, portable, and ideal for home use, and the S100 advanced recliner model, which features a smart commode system, a reclining backrest adjustable up to 180 degrees, and detachable arm and leg rests for maximum comfort. 

Every feature in Sahayatha is crafted to promote independence and ease of use. Its sturdy steel frame supports up to 100 kilograms, while smooth 200 mm castor wheels and large rear wheels make movement effortless, both indoors and outdoors. The built-in water and battery indicators ensure that users never face sudden interruptions, while the spray nozzle, angled at 60 degrees, provides gentle yet effective cleansing to maintain hygiene and prevent infections. The detachable components allow for safe and easy transfers, reducing the strain on caregivers and enhancing the user’s comfort. 

As Sruthi beautifully puts it, “Sahayatha is not just a product. It’s a promise of dignity, comfort, and independence for every person.”

National Recognition and Support

Since its launch, Sahayatha has received widespread recognition across India. It caught the nation’s attention during Shark Tank India 2023, where investors praised its social relevance and commercial viability. With ₹1 crore in funding, production scaled rapidly, helping Sruthi reach hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private homes. The innovation also secured ₹50 lakh in grant funding from BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), underlining the government’s confidence in its potential. Discussions are now underway to integrate Sahayatha into national initiatives like the Accessible India Mission, ensuring affordable access for low-income users. Medical professionals, too, have lauded the product for reducing caregiver dependency and infection risks. It not only empowers users but also lightens the emotional and physical load of families and caretakers.

Restoring Independence, One Wheelchair at a Time

Beyond technology, Sahayatha touches something deeply human: the desire to live with dignity. For many users, it has replaced shame with confidence and dependency with freedom. The wheelchair’s convertible stretcher feature allows smoother transfers, reducing the need for multiple caretakers. The built-in bidet system, inspired by Japanese hygiene technology, is what sets it apart. Waste is collected in a removable container that can be cleaned without disturbing the user. This simple yet powerful mechanism gives people the ability to care for themselves privately, something many had lost hope of ever doing again. Today, over 400 units of Sahayatha have been sold, helping patients regain not just mobility but confidence and joy in daily living. The product is also being piloted in hospitals and care homes, with plans for subsidized distribution through NGOs and CSR programs.

The Promise of Dignity and Freedom

Sahayatha stands as a shining example of what happens when empathy meets engineering. It reminds us that the true goal of innovation is not just to make life easier but to make it more meaningful. For every person who regains independence through this smart wheelchair, Sahayatha is more than a product; it’s a second chance at living with pride. As Sruthi Babu’s invention continues to reach homes and hospitals across India, it carries with it a message that innovation is not just about machines; it’s about humanity, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity, no matter their circumstance.