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Jharkhand, India, May 3, 2006 — Nearly 2,000 people benefited from a free two-day eye clinic in a remote tribal area in northern India, sponsored by The Prem Rawat Foundation. The Foundation regularly holds free medical clinics with certified optometrists and ophthalmologists who donate their time and expertise.
Villagers came from surrounding areas, where some of the poorest in the Indian subcontinent struggle just to survive. A medical staff of 50, including four doctors and many local volunteers, welcomed the 2,000 people who would otherwise not be able to have eye examinations and receive needed medicine and eyeglasses.
Optometrists and medical doctors volunteering their time and skills at the clinic were impressed by the standards of the clinic. For Raminder Bir Singh, M.D., “It was a very well-organized camp run by the Foundation. This district is underserved, and medical facilities are very few. It was very helpful for the needy because there is no eye care facility in this area.”
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An optometrist, Dr. Ajay Rana, remarked, “I was impressed to see Adiwasis (tribal people) come to the camp in such large numbers. I was also very impressed to see the work done by the Foundation, and the local personnel did an excellent job in helping to organize such a large eye clinic. The efforts of the Foundation and local personnel were very commendable and memorable. The vision of Prem Rawat, to provide eyesight to those who cannot see, is getting fulfilled.”
Many treated at the clinic expressed profound appreciation. Bhaji Ansari, a local farmer, said, “I was not in a position to go to a doctor for an eye checkup. I got free medicine here.” For Dukhni Devi, a seamstress, “I had burning pain in my eyes, but now I got relief. I got my eyes checked and got medicine.” For Gulam Mohammed, a day worker in a mica mine, “There was no discrimination of cast and creed. I got a free checkup.” Salamun Hak, a handyman, said, “Everyone who went for a checkup was sent to a doctor with love and care. They got eyeglasses and medicine.” Preema Kumari, a mother of two, said, “I got these eyeglasses, and now I’m able to see my children clearly for the first time in many years.”
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The Prem Rawat Foundation furthers the message of peace of Prem Rawat, known also as Maharaji, and helps improve the quality of life for people most in need. More than 10,000 patients have been treated at these eye clinics so far. The recent clinic in Jharkhand was held on the grounds of “Food for People,” a 10,000-square-foot permanent facility where 45,000 meals are served each month to villagers in need. Much of the food is grown on the six-acre property by local volunteers. This project is one of many spearheaded by Prem Rawat and his Foundation in an effort to bring basic necessities such as food, water, and adequate medical care to those in need around the world.
The Prem Rawat Foundation sponsors clinics like this one once or twice a year. If you would like to help support future clinics, please click here.
Discover more about Prem Rawat, his message of hope and peace, and The Prem Rawat Foundation's humanitarian initiatives
