Subud CA member Dainuri Rott recently received a grant from Susila Dharma to support his work in helping veterans.
The Idea
Several years ago, when Dainuri’s father, Nicholas, could no longer qualify for a driver’s license, he began feeling isolated. Dainuri used his engineering expertise to build a battery-powered tricycle, restoring his father’s sense of freedom and mobility. Dainuri then considered how this concept might apply to a sport he had spent much of his life engaged in: surfing. As a military veteran himself, he realized that this technology could serve military veterans with limited mobility, and GoodLife Mobility was born.
The Opportunity
Military veterans who are paralyzed or become amputees as a result of their military service receive adequate healthcare. But, when released with artificial limbs and wheelchairs, many begin to experience depression and a sense of isolation. 
For those who previously enjoyed outdoor activities, or would like to begin, there is little opportunity to do so, especially when it comes to recreational water sports. By applying battery power to kayaks, these veterans are enabled to experience freedom again! On their own, they can explore any flat water such as a lake, river, or estuary, using the power assistance of the craft along with their own body strength. Safety features such as GPS monitoring from onshore provide confidence for veterans and their families.
Building a Community
Funding so far has come from personal investments from founder Dainuri Rott, grants from The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, The San Diego Foundation, and The Silicon Valley Foundation. Going forward, the organization is seeking grants from organizations that support recreational activities for the disabled and military veterans. They are reaching out to veteran groups such as the VFW, American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, Fleet Reserve Associations and the like for sponsorship.
Dainuri Rott said, “We are grateful to be included in a Susila Dharma grant request for our organization. Receiving the support will provide impetus to get our jet-propelled kayaks into the hands of deserving military veterans with limited mobility, giving them a renewed sense of freedom and independence.”