LG Sinha Attends Closing Ceremony of Army’s Mega Eye Surgery Camp Under Operation Drishti , 364 Patients Regain Vision Through Surgeries in Srinagar, Tangdhar
Srinagar, September 30: ANB Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of the 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised by the Indian Army under Operation Drishti, describing the initiative as an embodiment of service, compassion, courage and resolve.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and commended the Indian Army, Armed Forces Medical Services personnel and support staff for their efforts in extending advanced eye care to people in remote areas.
A total of 364 vision-restoring surgeries were performed during the camps in Srinagar and Tangdhar, including 144 surgeries at the Srinagar camp and 220 at the Tangdhar camp in Kupwara district.
Sinha said the Tangdhar camp marked a significant milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp conducted in the border area. Despite difficult terrain and challenging conditions, Army doctors and soldiers established an underground operation theatre, enabling 220 patients to undergo surgery within two days.
“Those who have seen Tangdhar’s geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said modern surgical equipment was airlifted to Tangdhar to facilitate advanced eye-care services in an area where such facilities had previously been difficult to access. Residents of Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella and adjoining villages benefited from the initiative.
“This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubt: where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service,” Sinha said.
He said the 364 surgeries represented more than medical statistics, describing them as interventions that had transformed the lives of beneficiaries by restoring their vision, dignity and hope.
According to the Lieutenant Governor, Operation Drishti has so far facilitated eye examinations for more than 1.5 lakh people and more than 3,500 surgeries across 10 cities in the country.
Sinha said the initiative had also strengthened the relationship between the Army and local communities, noting that the Armed Forces serve not only in defending the country but also provide assistance and medical support to citizens during times of need.
“The Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust and togetherness,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of doctors, medical staff, soldiers, support personnel and Air Force pilots involved in transporting equipment and establishing the facilities required for the surgeries under difficult conditions.
Sinha said the Srinagar camp marked another step in the continuation of Operation Drishti and expressed confidence that similar healthcare initiatives would reach more villages and towns across the country.
“The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country,” he said.
During the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated doctors and medical staff of the Defence Forces for their services and distributed post-operative kits among beneficiaries.
Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps; Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Army Hospital Research and Referral; Brigadier B.V. Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital; and other senior Defence Forces officials attended the ceremony.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo were also present.
