Nita Ambani: Beauty lies in the eye of the giver

Eyes are windows to the world and if our sight does not support us, we become visually challenged. In India, thousands of underprivileged people are living impoverished lives just because they cannot see. Project Drishti, a nationwide corneal grafting drive has already restored the eyesight of 5000 people belonging to the underprivileged section of the society. This unique project is a joint venture of National Association of the Blind and Reliance Industries Limited and is led by Mrs. Nita Ambani, wife of RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani. The main objective of this project is to give sight to the sightless from the poor section of the society at no cost. Talking about this endeavor, Mrs. Nita Ambani, President, Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation said, “We are committed in our endeavor to bring light into the lives of the visually challenged brethren.” Through this initiative, most of the under privileged blind can reap benefits as this effort by RIL and NAB will bring light into their lives.

There are a number of eye care initiatives in India but Project Drishti is among the most successful ones. In less than four years time since it was started, Project Drishti has undertaken almost 5000 kerotoplasty surgeries. ORBIS, a non-profit organization saving the sight of millions in developing countries is working with India’s eye care sector under its India Childhood Blindness Initiative. ORBIS aims at opening around 50 eye care centers by 2012 and each center will have fully trained eye care team with sufficient equipment and infrastructure. There will be a special out-patient department for children catering to special needs of children, parents with great medical facilities and a play area.

Through this initiative by ORBIS, 400 million children in India will get the treatment for their eye problems. This will further improve the eye care health of India. As of now, ORBIS is working with the Indian ministry of health in developing a new plan called ‘National Program for Control of Blindness Plan’ which will emphasize on the eye care health of India from 2008-2012. Vedanta Aluminum Ltd has initiated a series of ‘correction of refraction of Vision’ under its pioneer project called ‘Drishti’ in Jharsuguda. This initiative will cover peripheral villages like Brundamal, Katikela, Kurebaga and Burkhamunda.

Project Drishti led by Mrs. Nita Ambani have always participated in a number of eye care activities to create awareness among the masses. President of Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation, Mrs. Nita Ambani was once quoted as saying, “In more ways than one, we can make this a century with better vision than ever. We need to see life a little differently even after we have passed on. Life would undergo a change of appearance if you donate your eyes because beauty also lies in the eye of the giver.”