Under the banner of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, a National level conference was held in Udaipur on International World Sight Day 2011 organized by Alakh Nayan Mandir with coordination of Indian government’s blindness control programme and Vision2020 India.

From right: GV Rao, N.K Agarwal, Sujaya Krishnan, Col. Deshpande and Yuvraj Singh Jhala

11 students of Pragya Chakshu Blind School Udaipur have also participated in the conference held at Lotus Resort, Udaipur.

Welcoming the prominent guests present in the conference Dr. Laxmi Jhala, Executive Trustee of Alakh Nayan Mandir has said that this day is dedicated to the mission to remove blindness from India by the year 2020.

The guests were Sujaya Krishnan, Director National Blindness Control Programme, Dr. N.K Agarwal, Yuvraj Singh Jhala, Educationist and former Principal of B.N. College, Dr. Col. Madan Deshpande, President of Vision2020 India and Dr. G.V. Rao, President Vision2020 India.

in photo: Students of Pragya Chakshu Blind School, Ambamata

The 1 hour programme started by lightning a lamp on the picture of Mahatma Bhuri Bai which was closely followed by an appealing song “Aur Ujalo ki Nayi Duniya Basa Li Hamne” presented by blind students of Pragya Chakshu.

While addressing the guests, Dr. Col Madan Deshpande said, “Every year on this pious day, we make a decision to bring light in the lives of millions of blind people in India who can be cured and this noble verdict of our own makes this day pious.”

He said, “80% of blindness can be cured and it is possible only through confidence. Government of India is helping this mission but there is a need to raise the quality of everything we do; quality in treatment and quality in service.”

While quoting on eye banks, Dr. Deshpande said, “Our country is known for donation and alms, these are part of our social and religious practices then why people avoid donating eyes?”

Neeta Ambani, wife of Mukesh Ambani and Dr. Uday R Gajiwala have been honored for their selfless contribution in giving light to several blind people.

Neeta Ambani could not attend the meeting due to some engagements but her representative George was present on the occasion and also accepted the memento. Neeta Ambani has helped in conducting 10,000 eye surgeries in India and actively participated in events related to eye treatment and awareness programmes.

in photo: Dr. Laxmi Jhala

Dr. Uday Gajiwala, Vice-president of Divyajyoti Trust has done an outstanding job in treating and curing people from tribal belt of Mandvi, near Surat.

A Cataract Manual has also been launched today. Explaining the purpose of the manual Dr. L.S Jhala said that this manual is a work of all partner organizations of Vision 2020 and he acknowledged Elizabeth Kurian for her contribution in preparing the cataract manual.

Dr. Sujaya Krishnan in her short speech expressed gratitude to all active members of Vision2020 team, volunteers and urged to young doctors to join the bandwagon with spirit to take their mission to its goal. She said, “Eyes are not only an important body part but is the most beautiful and cherished gift to us by nature. On this day we pledge to bring light, hope, vision and a new dawn for those who are suffering from avoidable blindness.”

At the end of the conference Dr. L.S Jhala thanked all the members of Alakh Nayan Mandir team, volunteers and patients to show their trust in the organization. He offered his deepest gratitude to Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation for their persistent support.