Odisha Governor Calls for Mass Movement on Eye Donation Awareness

Bhubaneswar, Feb 9 : Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday called for a collective and sustained movement to promote awareness on eye donation, describing it as a safe, noble and life-changing act that restores vision and hope to thousands.

Addressing a gathering at the celebration of the 20,000 cornea collection milestone under the “Gift of Sight” programme at the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) here, the Governor urged schools, colleges, community organisations, religious institutions and youth groups to actively encourage people to pledge their eyes and help dispel long-standing myths associated with eye donation.

Calling the occasion both proud and deeply emotional, Kambhampati said the achievement was not merely a numerical landmark but a powerful testament to humanity, compassion and selfless service. “Life itself is a precious gift, but blindness turns life into an everyday struggle, affecting education, employment, dignity and social participation,” he said, adding that restoring sight is not just a medical intervention but the restoration of hope, independence and dignity.

Highlighting cornea donation as one of the most sacred forms of service, the Governor said the generosity of one family can transform the destiny of another. Eye donation, he noted, reflects a commitment to serve humanity beyond one’s lifetime and is deeply rooted in compassion and selflessness.

Describing the collection of 20,000 corneas as an extraordinary achievement, Kambhampati said it was made possible through sustained awareness efforts, sensitive counselling and the trust reposed by grieving families. He appreciated the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Programme for significantly improving both the quantity and quality of donations through ethical and timely interventions.

The Governor also lauded LV Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar, and the Drushti Daan Eye Bank, stating that their partnership has helped transform Odisha into a leading eye-banking state in eastern India. While acknowledging the growth in awareness, he cautioned that hesitation and misconceptions still persist and urged citizens to pledge their eyes during their lifetime and discuss their wishes with family members.

Executive Chairman of L V Prasad Eye Institute Dr Prashant Garg and Secretary of Drushti Daan Eye Bank Mrs Nalini Sharma also addressed the gathering.