Chandigarh, 07.09.24- – The Eye Bank, Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, in collaboration with the Lions Club Chandigarh, successfully concluded its Eye Donation Awareness Fortnight on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The event aimed to underscore the importance of eye donation and to encourage community participation in the noble cause of giving the gift of sight.

The program commenced with a warm welcome address by *Prof. S S Pandav*, Head, Advanced Eye Centre, who emphasized the significance of spreading awareness regarding the need for eye donations. He highlighted how even a small action can make a monumental difference in the lives of those suffering from visual impairment.

Following the welcome, *Mr. Pankaj Rai*, the Deputy Director (Administration), shared his words of blessing, acknowledging the collective efforts of all participants in raising awareness and promoting eye donation.

*Lion Vinod* addressed the gathering on the importance of eye donation, illustrating how the act of donating one's eyes can restore vision to individuals who have lost hope. His heartfelt narrative galvanized the attendees and renewed their commitment to this cause.

*Lion Sushil Goyal*, President Lions Club, shed light on the crucial role of NGOs in the awareness campaign, discussing various initiatives that have successfully educated communities about the positive impact of eye donation.

The event also featured compelling testimonials from students, as well as from donor families and recipients, each sharing personal stories that showcased the transformative power of eye donation. Their perspectives served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the difference one can make through selfless acts.

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the cause of eye donation, prizes were distributed to winners of poster making, essay writing and Reel making competition and volunteers who exhibited exemplary commitment during the fortnight. Over 300 entries were received in the essay writing competition, over 60 in the reel making competition and over 150 in the poster making competition by students of the tricity. The ceremony was concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by *Dr. Amit Gupta*, Professor Advanced Eye Centre, who expressed gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and volunteers for their unwavering support.

The event was seamlessly hosted by *Dr. Parul Chawla Gupta, Associate Professor, Advanced Eye Centre and **Lion Sanjeev Gupta*, who engaged the audience and ensured that the proceedings were both informative and inspiring.

The Eye Bank, Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, and Lions Club Chandigarh would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a role in making the Eye Donation Awareness Fortnight a success. Together, let us strive to make a difference in someone’s life. For eye donation inquiries, please contact: *70870 08200*.

*"दो चुटकी राख या दो को आँख"* – A simple pledge to change lives through the gift of sight.