Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that in Indian culture, serving every living being is regarded as the highest form of duty. Philanthropy, in its truest sense, is service to humanity. For five decades, Shankara Eye Foundation has been providing dedicated eye care to the needy, giving practical expression to the principle of “Nara Seva is Narayana Seva” (service to humanity is service to God). Restoring a person’s eyesight brings happiness not only to the individual but also to the entire family.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav virtually addressed the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Shankara Eye Foundation in Indorefrom Samatva Bhawan, the Chief Minister’s residence, on Wednesday. On behalf of the Madhya Pradesh Government, he congratulated and extended his best wishes to the Foundation’s founder and Managing Trustee, Padma Shri Dr. R. V. Ramani; co-founder Dr. Radha Ramani; and all its dedicated doctors and committed staff on completing 50 years of service.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the State Government is consistently advancing development and public welfare initiatives. Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring access to free medical treatment for the poor and needy through effective implementation of welfare schemes. To strengthen healthcare services, the number of medical colleges and Ayushman Arogya Kendras across the state is being steadily increased. He said that air connectivity in the state has improved, benefiting the air ambulance services operating in Madhya Pradesh. Air ambulances are an important means of providing timely medical assistance to poor and needy patients during emergencies. He added that Madhya Pradesh has strengthened its position in education, healthcare, employment, industry and trade, and agriculture. The state is committed to becoming the country’s leading state in every sector.
A Small Beginning, a Far-Reaching Mission of Service
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that inspired by the Shankaracharyas of Kanchi, Dr. R. V. Ramani and Dr. Radha Ramani established a primary healthcare centre in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, in May 1977 to serve the needy. Today, this initiative has expanded to ten states across the country.
The Foundation’s 14 super-speciality eye hospitals provide treatment to more than 1,000 patients every day. Approximately 80 per cent of patients receive eye treatment free of cost, while the remaining 20 per cent pay for their treatment. This distinctive model ensures that financial hardship does not become an obstacle to accessing essential medical care.
Creating Awareness About Eye Donation Is Essential
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stressed the need to dispel misconceptions about eye donation. He said that awareness campaigns must take the message of this noble cause to every section of society. Schools, colleges, youth organisations and social institutions should play an active role in this effort. He said that the Golden Jubilee celebrations also provide an opportunity for the Foundation to set new goals for the future. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed hope that Shankara Eye Foundation would continue its mission of selfless service and extend access to quality eye care to an ever-increasing number of people in need.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Public Health and Medical Education Shri Rajendra Shukla also joined the celebrations virtually and addressed the gathering. Public representatives from Indore, citizens, and doctors and staff members of the eye centre were present at the programme.
