Empowering Rural Communities: Eye Health and Literacy Drive by Janmitra Nyas with Shiv Nadar Foundation

Free Eye Camp and Adult Literacy Program Bring Vision and Knowledge to Villagers

Varanasi | March 2025 — In a powerful step towards rural empowerment and sustainable development, Janmitra Nyas, in collaboration with Shiv Nadar Foundation, PVCHR, and RJ Shankara Eye Hospital, organized a free eye check-up camp on 18 March 2025 and promoted adult literacy programs for underserved communities in Kathirav village, Baragaon block. These twin initiatives reflect a holistic approach to addressing health and education challenges in rural India, particularly for economically vulnerable groups.

Free Eye Check-up Camp: Restoring Sight, Restoring Dignity

Held at the Kathirav Panchayat Bhavan, the eye camp benefitted 184 villagers, with 44 diagnosed with cataracts. These patients were offered free surgery, lenses, and spectacles at RJ Shankara Eye Hospital. After required tests, surgeries were conducted on-site, and all patients were safely transported back to the village. The initiative reflects the commitment to eliminate preventable blindness and ensure vision for all, aligned with SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.

This initiative follows the inauguration of RJ Shankara Eye Hospital by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, a facility dedicated to delivering world-class ophthalmological services, especially to the underserved. The hospital embodies the Prime Minister’s vision of Accessible Healthcare for All, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

The medical team, led by Yugal Chandra, included experts Sonali, Jayendra, Nancy, Anjali, Satish, and Shyama. Shruti Nagvanshi, Managing Trustee of Janmitra Nyas, affirmed that such free camps will continue regularly to serve the poorest and most in-need.

Adult Literacy: Igniting Knowledge Among the Marginalized

Parallel to the eye care efforts, adult literacy programs are being run in rural Varanasi targeting women, elderly individuals, and landless laborers. Many participants, who previously had no access to formal education, are now learning basic reading, writing, and numeracy. These skills help them navigate daily life, access healthcare, and participate in civic life—a key to empowerment and self-reliance, supporting SDG 4 – Quality Education.

Focus on Beneficiaries: Reaching the Last Mile

These initiatives focus on villages with high poverty, illiteracy, and health challenges, especially farmers, daily wage workers, and women-headed households. By merging health and education, Janmitra Nyas and Shiv Nadar Foundation are creating sustainable impact, empowering individuals to live with dignity, awareness, and economic opportunity.

Media Coverage and Public Recognition

The impactful event received wide media coverage, acknowledging the dedication of all stakeholders:

In addition to 6 online news platforms, 13 offline newspapers highlighted the camp’s success, thanks to support from Mr. Vallabhacharya Pandey of Asha Trsut and a committed team of Pradeep Singh, Mangla Rajbhar, Ajitesh, Arvind, Mahival, Sandeep, Dinesh, Deepa, Priya, Sanjay, and many others.

A Model for Inclusive Development

Janmitra Nyas and Shiv Nadar Foundation have set a precedent in delivering integrated services to uplift rural populations, fostering vision and literacy as tools for social justice and community well-being. These initiatives serve as a beacon of hope, reaffirming that with collaboration, compassion, and commitment, sustainable development is achievable, one village at a time.