Bhubaneswar: Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday urged citizens across Odisha to pledge for eye donation and create awareness about its life-changing impact while attending the “Gift of Sight” programme at the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Patia.
Describing the occasion as a proud and deeply emotional moment, the Governor said that the collection of 20,000 corneas under the programme is not just a numerical milestone but a celebration of humanity, compassion, and selfless service.
“Life is a precious gift, but blindness turns it into a daily struggle, affecting education, employment, dignity, and social participation,” he said. He added that restoring sight is not merely a medical procedure but also a restoration of hope and freedom.
Highlighting cornea donation as a noble act, Dr. Kambhampati said, “Through cornea donation, the generosity of one family can change the life of another. Eye donation is a lifelong commitment to serving humanity, rooted in compassion and selflessness.”
The Governor described the success of collecting 20,000 corneas as extraordinary, crediting continuous awareness campaigns, sensitive counseling, and the trust of bereaved families. He also lauded the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme for improving both the quantity and quality of donations through ethical and time-efficient measures.
Praising LVPEI and Drushti Daan Eye Bank, the Governor said Odisha has emerged as a leading state in eye banking in eastern India. While noting that awareness has grown, he cautioned that misconceptions and doubts about eye donation persist and urged citizens to discuss their decision with family members and take a pledge during their lifetime.
The programme also featured addresses by Dr. Prashant Garg, Executive Chairman of LVPEI, and Nalini Sharma, Secretary of Drushti Daan Eye Bank. Dr. Sujata Das, Head of the LVPEI Eye Bank Network, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Umesh Chandra Behera, Head of Campus, proposed the vote of thanks.
