His Holiness, Srimathe Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yateendra Mahadesikan, the 46th Azhagiyasingar of Ahobila Mutt visited Sankara Nethralaya’s Dr. V.G. Appukutty campus on 3rd January 2021. He was shown around the premises comprising the C. U. Shah Sankara Nethralaya, The SN Academy, Elite School of Optometry, and Jaslok Community Ophthalmic Centre. Dr. Girish Rao, President, and Dr. Rajesh accompanied the Swamigal on his tour.
The event started with an invocation by Mrs. Vidya Thirumalai, one of Sankara Nethralaya’s well-wishers. Colonel Raghavan, Advisor – Projects, welcomed His Holiness on behalf of Dr. S. S. Badrinath and Dr. (Mrs.) Vasanthi Badrinath, and Sankara Nethralaya family members. Col. Raghavan also wished everyone present a Happy New Year. Dr. T. S. Surendaran and Dr. Girish Rao, President, honoured His Holiness with ceremonial tributes.
His Holiness blessed the gathering and recollected that Dr. S. S. B performed a cataract surgery on his spiritual guru Sri Maha Periyava Sri Chandrasekerendra Saraswathi Swamigal. Dr. S. S. B’s name spread gaining renown due to this. He recalled Sri Maha Periyava’s blessing that as long as the sun and moon shone, Sankara Nethralaya would bloom and serve humanity. His Holiness also recounted Jayendra Sarswathi Swamigal’s call to Dr. S.S.B to found an institution in the service of India’s poor. He extolled the efforts and sacrifices of those who served the cause of bringing vision to the poor and needy. Service is a boon to society and we should encourage the practice amongst ourselves. His Holiness appreciated and blessed Dr. Girish Rao in continuing our founder’s mission to serve society. His Holiness blessed the institution, employees, and the students to take the vision forward for many decades.
Dr. Rajesh offered the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to His Holiness who stayed to bless everyone present individually.