GIFT OF SIGHT 2024-25 Project

We are delighted to present our 2024-25 project, which consists of three major parts that are already underway. Our primary objective is to perform a total of 3,111 surgeries throughout the project, with a special emphasis on restoring vision to individuals affected by cataracts.

1. Aligarh District: Our first focus area is the Aligarh District, where we aim to achieve the elimination of cataracts in 25 to 50 villages. Throughout the project, our goal is to perform a total of 1,100 surgeries, prioritizing remote rural areas and bringing the gift of sight to those in need.
2. Widows of Vrindavan: This part of the project is a collaborative effort with IGVS, Houston and specifically caters to the needs of widows in Vrindavan, Mathura. Our mission is to perform 1,000 surgeries in this region, bringing improved vision and enhancing the quality of life for these individuals. Vrindavan, known as the “City of Widows,” provides solace and protection to widows from diverse faiths, symbolizing resilience and compassion.
3. 12 Other Major Cities: As part of our project, we have extend our efforts to 12 major cities spanning from Punjab to Ayodhya / Kashi. The success of this endeavor will depend on the availability of support from local NGOs, as well as funds and resources. By leveraging these, we aim to perform additional surgeries, contributing to our overall target of 3,111 surgeries.

We are determined to achieve our target of 3,111 surgeries through the generous support of Indian donors and various stakeholders. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

In summary, our project comprises targeting cataract elimination in the Aligarh District, performing surgeries for widows in Vrindavan, and extending our efforts to major cities. Our total goal is to perform 3,100 surgeries, with a specific focus on 1,000 surgeries in Vrindavan, Mathura.

We are committed to reaching our target of 3,111 surgeries,the way we did last year.  Thanks to the generous support of Nitin Bhatia’s family, friends, Indian donors, and various stakeholders. Many of these surgeries are directly funded by donors through India hospitals, with our role often serving as facilitators and checkers. Just as we did last year, we are poised to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need through collective efforts.

2024-25 Project Overview:
Our initiative focuses on eliminating cataracts in the Aligarh District, performing surgeries for widows in Vrindavan, and extending our efforts to 12  major cities. Our overall goal is to conduct 3,111 surgeries, with a special focus on 1,000 surgeries in Vrindavan, Mathura. This was started last year and we will complete these surgeries in next 3 to 4 years. 

Widows of Vrindavan, Aligarh, and other places. – Gift of Sight Project:
This project holds a special place in our hearts as it focuses on improving the lives of widows in Vrindavan, a city known for offering solace and protection to widows of various faiths. In collaboration with the International Gaudiya Vedanta Society (IGVS), Houston, and other local NGOs, the Friends For Cause Foundation (FFCF) plays a crucial role in coordinating ground-level activities such as screening camps, surveys, and patient selection.

Since its launch last year, the Widows of Vrindavan project has successfully performed over 100 surgeries. Led by the dedicated team at IGVS, alongside FFCF and local partners in India, this initiative seeks to empower these women with the gift of sight, offering them a renewed sense of hope and dignity. Hospitals connected to the cause may also receive direct funding on our recommendation. 

Transparency and Accountability:
We are deeply committed to transparency in all our operations. Every amount  contributed by family or  friends, and supporters is directly allocated to funding life-changing eye surgeries. Our past success with similar initiatives stands as a testament to our ability to execute large-scale projects efficiently and responsibly.

Leadership and Inspiration:
Yogesh Bhatia, elder brother of Late. Lt Col Nitin Bhatia (an operational casualty) and the visionary founder of FFCF, leads this project with passion and dedication. His ongoing commitment to the cause is truly inspiring, and he regularly shares updates about the project on his Facebook page: Yogesh Bhatia’s Facebook. He does this project with single focus that we have repay the debt to India as our brother died early.

Project Costs and Timeline:
The estimated cost of the Aligarh, Widows of Vrindavan & 12 areas – Gift of Sight Project is between $100,000 to $150,000. The project requires 100 days of careful planning and data collection. We have allocated 50 plus small and big camps  for conducting eye check-up, then camps for registrations, followed by another few days  for performing surgeries in well-equipped hospitals or pvt doctors as per Rules and regulations of GOI. The project will mobilize 200 to 500 field volunteers from local institutions. And camps are orgainsed by doctors and hospitals in colloboration of local goveronments.

Key Statistics:

• 200 days of planning and data collection
• 45 days for eye check-up camps and registrations
• 20 to 30 days for surgeries in several  hospitals
• 200 to 500 volunteers from schools and colleges
• Project duration: April 2024 to August 31, 2025
• Dedicated camp tour dates of Yogesh Bhatia in various cities, 20 Nov 2024 to 25th Jan 2025, will be direct relay on facebook.

We invite you to be part of this transformative journey. Whether by joining our team in India or sponsoring one or more surgeries, your involvement will create a lasting impact and bring hope to those who need it most. For further details, we would be more than happy to provide them at your request, allowing you to witness firsthand the profound power of compassion in action. 31, 2024. If you would like further details, we would be delighted to provide them upon your request, allowing you to witness the power of compassion firsthand.