CHANDIGARH, 27.08.26-As part of the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight 2026, the Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, organised a series of awareness activities across educational institutions and workplaces to promote eye donation and sensitise the public about its vital role in restoring vision to individuals suffering from corneal blindness.

Around 100 students participated in the awareness programme at Guru Gobind Singh College. The session was conducted by Dr. Byanjana, Asheet Parihar and Mukesh Verma from the Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER. The participants were informed about the importance and process of eye donation, including how donated corneas can help restore vision. The speakers also addressed students’ queries and encouraged them to spread awareness about eye donation within their families and communities. Informative pamphlets were distributed among the participants.

A similar awareness session was organised for around 50 employees of Canara Bank Regional Office, Manimajra. Conducted by Dr. Indu, Asheet Parihar and Mukesh Verma, the session focused on encouraging participants to support the cause of eye donation and become advocates for the movement. Awareness material containing essential information about eye donation was also distributed among the employees.

To engage the younger generation through creative expression, a Poster Competition was organised on 26 August 2026 at Manav Mangal Smart School, Mohali. A total of 14 schools and 74 students participated in the competition, presenting meaningful and informative posters highlighting the message and importance of eye donation.

The activity aimed to encourage school students to understand the value of eye donation and inspire them to become ambassadors for the cause. The winners of the competition will be felicitated during the Closing Ceremony of the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight on 5 September 2026 at the Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Through these activities, PGIMER continues its efforts to create greater awareness about eye donation and motivate students, employees and the wider community to pledge their eyes after death, thereby contributing towards the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating corneal blindness.

The 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight is being observed from 25 August to 8 September 2026.