Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Mahakumbh 2025 will make history with the goal of setting several world records, including one for conducting eye tests and distributing glasses. The upcoming “Netra Kumbh” (Eye Kumbh) event, to be inaugurated on January 5, 2025, aims to provide eye tests for 500,000 individuals and distribute over 300,000 glasses, marking the largest eye care initiative of its kind.
The Netra Kumbh, located on a sprawling 10-acre site near the Nagvasuki Temple, is set to become a landmark event in the field of public health. This initiative, a first in history, aims to provide free eye tests to half a million devotees and distribute 300,000 pairs of glasses during the event. Organisers have set a target of 10,000 eye tests per day to achieve the ambitious goal. The event will also offer free medicines alongside eye tests and glasses distribution.
Dr. Ranjan Bajpai, a member of the organising committee, shared that the inaugural ceremony of the Netra Kumbh will be led by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhada, with Maharaj Gaurang Prabhu Ji and Dr. Krishna Gopal Ji, Sangh’s Saha Sarkaryavah, as special guests. Last time, the event was recognised by the Limca Book of World Records, and efforts are underway to secure a place in the Guinness World Records this time.
The Netra Kumbh is set up with high-level infrastructure, including 11 hangars, a significant increase from the five hangars in the previous event. Each hangar will serve as a station for eye tests, with dedicated OPD chambers for registration and doctor consultations. The organisers have partnered with 240 hospitals across India, bringing doctors from various regions to provide specialised care.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, in charge of crowd management, revealed that arrangements for the accommodation and food of the doctors have been made, with 40 dormitories for doctors, and separate facilities for female doctors and volunteers. Additionally, 16-bed dormitories for pilgrims and 8-bed dormitories for volunteers are also available.
A key feature of the Netra Kumbh will be the establishment of a special eye donation camp, inspired by Emperor Harshvardhan of Prayagraj’s charitable legacy. As a part of the initiative, people across India and even from abroad are encouraged to pledge eye donations. The importance of eye donation is underscored by the fact that over 1.5 crore people in India suffer from blindness, many of whom are in need of corneal transplants.
Sunil Kumar Singh, a member of the organising committee, emphasised that previous Netra Kumbh events saw over 11,000 people pledge their eyes for donation. The organisers hope to continue this tradition and make a significant impact in the fight against blindness.
