India Post releases special cover to commemorate 50 years of Sightsavers in India

On the mission to eliminate avoidable blindness Sightsavers conducted five million eye operations in last 50 years

Sightsavers, a global development organisation working in more than 30 countries with a mission to eliminate avoidable blindness and support people with visual impairments, recently commemorated its 50 years of successful achievements in India. Started by Sir John Wilson, Sightsavers came to India in 1966 and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the organisation.

The golden jubilee gala celebration of the centre was graced by actor and director, Kabir Bedi, Secretary Tribal Affairs, Dr Shyam Agarwal, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle India Post, LN Sharma, CEO, Sightsavers International, Dr Caroline Harper (CBE), CEO, Sightsavers India, RN Mohanty, Honorary Chair of Sightsavers India, Dr SY Quraishi along with other dignitaries, partners, corporates, volunteers, members and beneficiaries of Sightsavers and stakeholders.

Marking the achievements of Sightsavers in India, Dr Agarwal released “Vision of Hope” – A Special Publication on 50 Years of the organisation in the country. The event also witnessed the unveiling of 50 Year History Wall by Bedi. Setting benchmarks for health services in the country and partnering with leading organisations in major states, Sightsavers is working towards eliminating avoidable blindness and rehabilitation of people with visual impairment.

Dr Agarwal said, “It was only because of Sightsavers’ great efforts and advocacy that India became the first ever country to have the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB).”

The organisation has conducted more than five million eye operations, reached out to 55 million people with potential eye problems and as a result conducted 36.4 million eye treatments. The organisation has also trained 15,796 teachers on classroom support to the visually impaired in the year 2015-16 and operates in about 100 districts in various states across the country. Sightsavers is functioning in about 100 districts of the country covering major tribal belts where the beneficiaries are tribal population.

EH News Bureau