Republic Day of the Union of India was celebrated with the customary fanfare and patriotic fervour the occasion deserves at the Main campus of Sankara Nethralaya. The proceedings started at 8:00am with the day’s key moment, the hoisting of the national tricolor by well known social activist, thinker and orator Shri Thamizh Aruvi Manian, the Honourable Chief Guest of the function. This was followed by rendering of the national anthem and a patriotic song by the employees of Sankara Nethralaya.
Dr Muna Bhende greeted and welcomed the gathering of staff members, Doctors, Volunteers and senior management members who had gathered in good numbers. Dr. Sudharshan and Dr.Kavitha Kalaivani the MC’s for the day kept the proceedings lively with their spontaneous comments and humour, the former introduced the Chief Guest of the day with an interesting piece of information that it was none other than the great leader Shri K.Kamaraj who had bestowed the title ‘Thamizh Aruvi’ on Shri Manian, this was followed by honouring of the Chief Guest by Dr TS.Surendran, Vice-Chairman, Sankara Nethralaya. The spell that the Chief Guest’s address cast over the audience and the cascade of thoughts and words simply reiterated his title Thamizh Aruvi. Shri Manian rued over the lack awareness even among the educated and elite classes by pointing out to their poor understanding of what the word ‘Republic’ signified. He drove home the concept of God, Man and Beast, how they co-exist in every one of us and the need to evolve to the next stage in the cycle of existence through interesting analogies. Shri Manian showered rich praise on Sankara Nethralaya as a place that not only provides cost free eye care but also food to the poor and needy patients knocking at its doors.
The Chief Guest’s address was followed by presentation of merit certificates to the employees in recognition of their long service and 100% attendance; children of staff members from the kindergarten to college level were also awarded with certificates for their good grades. The programme ended with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Pramod Bhende followed by serving of breakfast to all attendees.