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Pre-Foundation Day Sports Meet Held for Employees and Families
A pre-foundation day sports meet for Sankara Nethralaya employees and their families was held on July 27, 2025, at the Armed Reserve–II Police Ground, St. Thomas Mount.
The event began at 8:00 a.m. with a flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by a series of sports and recreational activities for both children and adults. The event offered an opportunity for employees and their families to engage informally and build camaraderie.
President Dr. Girish Shiva Rao distributed prizes to the winners.
Team scores from the event will be added to the final tally on Foundation Day in September. The current team standings are as follows:
NIRBHAY – 300
AGNI – 260
BRAHMOS – 230
ASTRA – 180
PRITHVI – 50
Sankara Nethralaya Leads the Fight Against Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) at 6th Retina Summit 2024
The 6th Retina Summit 2024 and 8th iROP Annual Meeting took place from July 11 to 13, 2024, at the Shri V. D. Swami Auditorium, Sankara Nethralaya, Dr. S. S. Badrinath Campus, Nungambakkam, Chennai. This event brought together over 250 delegates and featured presentations and panel discussions by 50 Indian and international experts focusing on the management of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
Distinguished dignitaries such as Dr. E. Theranirajan, Dean MMC & RGGGH, Dr. Rema Chandramohan, Director ICH, Dr. Chandra Kumar, Project Director TNBCS, Dr. Mohan Rajan, Chairman Rajan Eye Hospital, Dr. Rajvardhan Azad, President i-ROP Society and APAO, Dr. Thangerani Raajaseharan, Director RIO-GOH, Dr. Pramod Bhende, Director of VR Services at Sankara Nethralaya, and Dr. Anand Vinekar, Hon Secretary of i-ROP Society, graced the summit with their presence.
ROP is a critical retinal disorder that can lead to blindness in infants, particularly those born prematurely with low birth weights. In India, with around 2 million low birth weight babies born annually, the risk of ROP is significant due to inadequate neonatal care, low awareness, and a lack of trained specialists.
Sankara Nethralaya’s Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Department annually hosts focused, theme-based meetings to advance ROP management and training. This year’s Retina Summit, in collaboration with the Indian ROP Society (iROP), emphasized the importance of early detection, uniform screening guidelines, treatment strategies, and specialist training to prevent ROP-related blindness.
The summit was preceded by two key events: an ROP training workshop for young ophthalmologists and an awareness program for medical and paramedical personnel involved in premature infant care, organized in collaboration with the Institute of Child Health, Egmore, Chennai. These initiatives aim to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals and raise awareness about the critical need for early intervention in ROP cases.
The inaugural ceremony of the event happened on July 12 followed by dinner at the Regency Ball Room, Hyatt Regency, Anna Salai, Tynampet.
Governor of Tamil Nadu Felicitates Dr. Jyotirmay Biswas on West Bengal State Foundation Day
On the occasion of West Bengal State Foundation Day, Governor of Tamil Nadu Thiru R. N. Ravi felicitated Dr. Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Uveitis & Ocular Pathology Department, Sankara Nethralaya at Raj Bhavan. Dr. Biswas recited a poem by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali and its English translation, adding a cultural touch to the celebration.
Sankara Nethralaya Marks 30th Sri Maha Periyava Aaradhana on January 9, 2024
Sankara Nethralaya recently celebrated the 30th Sri Maha Periyava Aaradhana on January 9, 2024. The event, held at the Shri VD Swami Auditorium on Sankara Nethralaya’s main campus, was graced by Dr. Sudha Seshayyan as the chief guest. Dr. Seshayyan, Director of Sastra University, Chennai, and former Vice Chancellor of The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, delivered a religious speech, motivating attendees.
The occasion held special significance as it marked Sankara Nethralaya’s first event for Maha Periyava following the demise of our Chief, Dr. SS Badrinath, renowned for his religious reverence towards His Holiness Maha Periyava. His devotion, values, and principles continue to shape the ethos of Sankara Nethralaya.
Sankara Nethralaya USA’s “Music for Charity – Margazhi Concert”
In a blend of music and philanthropy, Mr. Sowmiya Narayanan, representing Sankara Nethralaya USA, orchestrated the “Music for Charity – Margazhi Concert” at Sankara Nethralaya’s Shri VD Swami Auditorium on December 24. The day-long concert saw the performances of emerging musicians, showcasing their talents in support of a noble cause.
The event was also graced by the presence of the legendary violinist Sangita Kalanidhi Padma Shri A Kanyakumari and Mridangam Vidhwan Dr. Patri Satish Kumar whose performances left an indelible impression on the audience.
Swami Mukunananda on Professional Fulfilment
The spiritual leader, bestselling author, Vedic scholar, and authority on mind management – Swami Mukundanandaji, gave a talk on Professional Fulfilment on 6th December 2022 at the Sri V. D. Swami Auditorium in the main campus. Dr. R. R. Sudhir, Senior Consultant, Department of Cornea Services had the honour of introducing Swami Mukunanandaji to the eager audience.
Swamji had completed his B. Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology – Delhi (IIT-D), and MBA in Indian Institute of Management – Kolkata. He had a successful career, which he renounced in his search for the divine truth. Dr. T. S. Surendran felicitated Swamiji with a silk shawl; Swamiji then opened his talk with an invocation prayer song. Swamiji stated he was privileged to visit and host a talk at this hallowed institution, which he had heard so much about. He conveyed his respects to the Sankara Nethralaya family.
Swami Mukunanda spoke on the topic of ‘Professional Fulfilment.’ He pointed out that a fulfilling career is as important as a life partner as we spend more time at work than with our spouses. He spoke of the happiness that comes when we find a purpose in our lives and we can align activities to that purpose. Swamji enlightened the gathering to remind oneself about the importance of the work is the key to remaining inspired and closed his talk.
Dr. R. R. Sudhir, Senior Consultant, Department of Cornea Services, and Head of EMR Development and Implementation, for this unique opportunity to listen to the enlightening thoughts of Swami Mukunanada
Force Motors Donates Vehicle to Sankara Nethralaya
On 24th August 2022, a mini bus was formally handed over to Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, by a benevolent Donor – Sri Abhay Firodia, Chairman of Force Motors Ltd in a simple ceremony. This vehicle will be used to convey community care patients back and forth from the community care facilities to the doorsteps of the patients.
Sri Abhay Firodia donated the vehicle in memory of his father, Late Sri Navalmal Firodia, founder of Force Motors. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Abhay Firodia, and son, Sri Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors Ltd. The vehicle was handed over to Sankara Nethralaya in the presence of Dr. T. S. Surendran, Vice Chairman and Director of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Dr. Prema Padmanabhan, Distinguished Senior Consultant, Department of Cornea Services, and senior management.
Dr. T. S. Surendran felicitated Sri Abhay with a traditional South Indian silk shawl, while Dr. Prema Padmanabhan honoured Smt. Abhay with one as well.
Sankara Nethralaya thanks Sri Abhay Firodia and family for their generous gesture in helping community care patients to access quality eye care.
Sankara Nethralaya and Lion’s Club of Central Madras conduct State Level Chess Tournament for the Visually Impaired
The Vision Enhancement Clinic (VEC) of Sankara Nethralaya and Lions Club of Central Madras organised the 2nd State Level Chess Tournament with technical support from the Tamil Nadu Braille Chess Association (TNBCA) for the visually impaired at Sankara Nethralaya, Nungambakkam, Chennai on 6thAugust 2022, from 8.30am onwards. The State level Chess Tournament for the visually impaired commemorated the 44thChess Olympiad and the 52nd Charter Nite Celebrations of Lions Club of Central Madras. Around 50 participants took part from all over Tamil Nadu. It is notable that in the women’s category there were about nine participants at the state-level.
Lion Mohammed Naveen, District Governor DIST.324M inaugurated the camp by lighting the Kuthuvillakku and playing the first move with young chess player Mohammed Jamir. Lion Thirumurugan S. President of the Club, Lion.S.Balasundaram, Chairman Charter Nite Committee and many members of the Club, and Dr Rashima, HOD – VEC started the event.
Mr Vignesh General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Braille Chess Association (TNBC) provided the technical support along with his team members. He is an international FIDE rated chess player, Arbiter, and Chess coach. He has arbitrated Chess tournaments at the international levels.
The chess tournament had four rounds under three categories such as under 17 years – Student, Women’s and Open. The atmosphere at the venue tournament was enthusiastic and many participants had travelled overnight to Chennai just for this tournament from the remote districts of Tamil Nadu. The event was sponsored by Mr.Dilip, and Mrs.Viji Dilip family.
The one-day tournament ended with the Prize Distribution Ceremony, held at 4:30 p.m. at Sankara Nethralaya. The occasion was graced by the chief guest Dr.J. Radhakrishnan, IAS, Principal Secretary for Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection Department and the guest of honor Mr.B.Vijayakumar (visually impaired), Advocate. Dignitaries Dr Girish Shiva Rao (President – Sankara Nethralaya), Mr Dilip, Lion Mr Thirumurugan, Lion Balasundaram, Lion Rangarajan K, Lion.Dr.N.Muthukumaran and a large number of lions graced the occasion.
Ms Dhanalakshmi (VEC) welcomed the gathering, Lion Thirumurugan President gave the opening speech thanking Sankara Nethralaya and TNBCA for their generous support. Dr Rashima gave a brief about the event and shared the glimpses of the event to the audience.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was appreciative of this tournament and the participants. Also he said, that the participants may not have Vision in their Eyes, but, definitely they have Vision in their Hearts. Hence they prove their Mettle while they read or play. The Principal Secretary also congratulated the Organizers for holding the event at the same time as the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022. He also noted that Braille Chess needs to be promoted more.
Mr Vijayakumar, Advocate spoke on the history of the Chess Tournaments and expressed a desire for Chess Tournaments to be conducted between Persons with Good Vision and the Visually Impaired.
One of the international rated player Mr Jayaprakash R shared his views about the event. He said that the event was very well conducted professionally and wished this could happen periodically for encouraging the young chess players.
Dr. J Radhakrishnan awarded the cash prizes and certificates to the winners and participation Certificates to all. Many of the participants were FIDE rated international chess players, and it was a great experience to watch these players in action. Cash prizes were given to first 10 out of 30 players in the open category , first 6 out of 15 players in the under 17 category and first 5 out of 9 players in the women’s category.
Sankara Nethralaya thanks Lion’s Club of Central Madras for making this event a grand success and Lion R.Viswanathan and Lion.S. Balasundaram for coordinating this tournament at such short notice. Dr. Rashima A., HOD, Vision Enhancement Clinic and the professionals of the VEC team were pivotal to the success of the tournament.
Sankara Nethralaya USA virtual concert raised $520,000 to restore vision to 8,000 patients
Inspired by a speech by Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt he attended in 1974, Dr. S S Badrinath founded Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai in 1978 with the sole objective of providing world class eye care, free to the poor and affordable price to others. Sankara Nethralaya (SN) is a not-for-profit charity organization providing ophthalmic (eye) care throughout India. For the last four decades, SN has treated millions of patients. SN also holds eye camps, school screenings and eye bank. One of the unique services is Mobile Eye Surgical Unit (MESU), only one of its kind approved by Government of India. These are operation theatres on wheels. MESU consists of two buses serving as operation theatre, go out remote villages, perform cataract surgeries on 150 to 200 patients over a two-week period and return to main campus after post-operative care.
Sankara Nethralaya USA (SN USA), our fund-raising arm in US was established in 1988 with the sole objective of raising funds for Nethralaya to provide free services to indigent patients. SN USA is managed by thirty-five honorary trustees spread across fourteen chapters in US and has been raising over a million dollars during the past several years.
Every year, Sankara Nethralaya USA organizes Indian classical dance and music programs in various cities to raise awareness and funds. Because of the pandemic, this year all programs were conducted through online virtual streaming.
Renowned playback singer and music director, Parthu Nemani along with his music team presented virtual semi classical devotional music program on December 19th, 2021, and it was telecast by the following major channels:
Mana TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUitJfqJTBs
TVAsia Telugu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_2RD-lakO4
Sakshi TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWWlw_FSQS4
TV5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Yv2I5PXXU
GNN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwQBDuJH58E
Great response to the program towards the Sankara Nethralaya USA year-end campaign raised USD $520,000 to restore vision to 8,000 indigent blind patients in India. Kudos to the fundraising team, Philanthropists, and community across the USA for unconditional support.
President Bala Reddy Indurti, President Emeritus S V Acharya, Vice President Moorthy Rekapalli planned, coordinated, and executed the Sankara Nethralaya USA year end campaign with grand success.
Dr. Girish Rao, President of Sankara Nethralaya made passionate appeal to the community for the campaign and explained Sankara Nethralaya service activities. During the program the MESU (Mobile Eye Surgical Unit) operations and the following brand ambassadors’ messages were shown: Former President and Bharat Ratna awardee Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Bharat Ranta Smt M.S. Subbalakshmi, Padma Vihushan Nani Phalkiwala, Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata, Padma Vibhushan Amitabh Bachchan, Padma Vibhushan Rajnikanth, Padma Shri Sourav Ganguly, DRDO Chairman Dr. Satheesh Reddy, Tollywood actor Madhavan. Sankara Nethralaya Team is very thankful to these ambassadors.
Special thanks to Tollywood writer, actor, and director Tanikella Bharani for his passionate appeal to the campaign.
Thanks to Singer/Music Director Parthu Nemani and his team of Musicians: Prakash (Keyboards), Srinivas (Flute), Suresh Prasad (Tabala), and Srinivasa Reddy (Rhythms). Harmony: Students of Keerrhana Academy (Bhuvana Swaraja Challa, Vaishnavi Kovvuri, Akhil Chandra, Saketh Kommajosyula). Sai Deekshit Vangara (Camera & Lights), Sai Manohar Dubbaka (Recorded & mixed), Srikanth Pudari (Editing), Nagesh (Assistant), Krishna Priya Pothukuchi (Project Supervision), Keerthana Recording Studios (Sound), String Wings (Video Floor)
Thanks are due to Dr. Reddy Urimindi for promoting ‘nayanam pradhaanam’ program through Tori for 100 successful weekends. Thanks are due to Shyam Appali and Prameela Gopu for video editing and MESU video for TV channels. Thanks are due to all Board of Trustees, Volunteers, Philanthropists, and supporters who are working selflessly to restore vision for indigent patients.
Thanks are due to Dr. Raj Modi and Dr. Bellamkonda Kishore for spreading the news in AAPI event and publishing the news in JAAPI magazine.
Thanks are due to Moorthy Rekapalli for MESU (Mobile Eye Surgical Unit) project and the following ADOPT-A-Village donors Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy (New Orleans LA), Leela Krishnamoorthy (Houston TX), Anand Dasari (Dallas TX), Srini Vangimalla (Atlanta GA), Rajasekhar Aila (Detroit MI), Srinivas Ganagoni (New Jersey NJ), Suresh Vemulamada (Atlanta GA).
Thanks are due to Jagannath Vedula, and Chennai staff Theagarajan, Suresh Kumar, Sunitha Doss, Kavitha, and Dheenadayalan.
Fundraising team members: Bala Reddy Indurti, SV Acharya, Moorthy Rekapalli, Leela Krishnamoorthy, Dr. Raj Modi, Srini Vangimalla, Upendra Rachupally, Shankar Setty, Shyam Appali, Prasad Rani, Meher Lanka, Narayan Indurthi, Ramesh Chaparala, Sowmi Narayan, Neelima Gaddamanugu, and Banu Ramkrishnan.
As you already know during our mid-year campaign, we conducted Flute Nagaraju Talluri program and received $150,000 donation from Dr. Govinda Visvesvara to name a floor in Chennai Hospital. This is not included in year-end campaign
Thanks are due to media partners TVAsia (Srinivas Ganagoni) manaTV, TV5 (Sridhar Chillara, Ragini, and Harishi), Sakshi TV (Simhabaludu), GNN (Rammohan Reddy and Ravi Reddy Maraka) for promoting Sankara Nethralaya virtual streaming concert on Dec 19th at different timings to give the flexibility to all viewers in different time zones.
Sankara Nethralaya professionals were awarded with numerous awards for their outstanding accomplishments. Our founder Dr. S S Badrinath was given the prestigious awards of Living Legend and Padma Bhushan for his outstanding public service. Newsweek named Sankara Nethralaya as one of the four Best Ophthalmic institutions and one of the Best one hundred hospitals in the World. SN USA, our fund-raising arm in US was given the given the highest rating of four stars by prestigious rating organization Charity Navigator.
Please extend your support for this noble cause of restoring the vision of indigent patients by generously contributing at https://www.sankaranethralayausa.org/
To read the article on Great Andhra.com, please click here:- https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/sankara-nethralaya-usa-virtual-concert-raised-520000-118013