Return To Play- Inclusion Revolution; Special Olympics Bharat, Essilor Vision Foundation and SRGR
S.R.Gopal Rao as optometrists, opticians, and, most importantly, as a group concerned with the public's eye and overall health, involve ourselves in various Philanthropic activities. We share this concern and the desire to give back to society with our partner Essilor Vision Foundation. Since NGOs' have a better affiliation with other firms, our partnership with Essilor Vision Foundation has always helped us reach out to a range of individuals and aid them. In order to achieve the same, S.R.Gopal Rao and Essilor Vision Foundation, India, have collaborated on several initiatives throughout the years, the most recent event was our involvement as co-donors in the Special Olympics Bharat on World Health Day.
We were honoured to be associated with the Special Olympics Bharat 2022. Special Olympics Bharat is a Charitable Trust formed under the Indian Trust Act 1882 that uses sports as a catalyst to help children and adults with intellectual impairments transform their lives. On January 18, 2006, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, recognised Special Olympics Bharat as a National Sports Federation in Priority Category for the development of Sports for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, particularly in rural areas, which account for 75 percent of India's population with disabilities. They've been working to improve the lives of these people who deserve the best but aren't given the same opportunities as others.
On April 7, 2022, the Special Olympics Bharat offered free health screening for a total of over 90,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities exceeding the target of 75,000 across 100 cities in India. This healthcare screening included general health check-ups, dental care, and eye screening. The contribution is being made to the Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate the completion of 75 years of Independent India, plus the initiative put the healthcare of individuals with disabilities at the forefront and showcased their talents. On Thursday, the event attempted two world records: the largest health examination for the specially-abled and a demonstration by 75,000 athletes to run across the country on the spot.
The Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat is Dr. Mallika Nadda and this Indian social worker and philanthropist expressed her gratitude for our contribution. “The eye examination of the Athletes would be incomplete without the support of partners such as the Essilor Vision Foundation and S.R.Gopal Rao Opticians. Their support in providing eyewear substantiates their commitment towards care with quality. Inclusive health is a space that the Special Olympics has been creating for many years recognising the commitment of organisations through the Golizano Awards. It is a matter of pride for us, that Essilor Vision Foundation and S.R.Gopal Rao Opticians received this much-deserved honour in 2021. Essilor Vision Foundation is playing a prominent role in widening the space of Inclusion in Health in India, while S.R.Gopal Rao Opticians has been dispensing prescription eyeglasses since 1936 and we trust a long way ahead together in transforming lives of Persons with Intellectual Disability.”
Our Chief Executive Officer, Hemanth Manay, and Chief Operations Officer, Meghana Manay, traveled to Ahmedabad to participate in the event on behalf of our team. The S.R.Gopal Rao team also paired up with Mr. Dharmaprasad, Head of Essilor Vision Foundation, India. This event was indeed co-sponsored by S.R.Gopal Rao and Essilor Vision Foundation India. Mr. Dharmaprasad, who has been associated with us for some time, was also delighted and claims it to be a huge success and a personal highlight for him. Similarly, Meghana Manay, our Chief Operations Officer, not only attended the event but also actively engaged with S.R.Gopal Rao's ardent supporters to raise awareness, adds, “It’s a pleasure for us to partner with two prestigious organisations that are working for the larger good. It is not easy for us to create such a large impact on our own. It would have been a miniscule fraction of the work that EVF and SOB have accomplished through this event. We are honoured to be vision partners for the Special Olympics Bharat, alongside Essilor Vision Foundation and will continue to do so in the years to come.”
Together, we donated to those with disabilities nearly 7,500 pairs of sunglasses and several prescription eyeglasses. On this particular day, we were pleased to be able to support the cognitively challenged youngsters. We were delighted to be a part of this significant national celebration. S.R.Gopal Rao wishes to progress while also assisting others in developing a better vision and a better life. This experience aided and abetted us in improving our outlook and attitude by allowing us to project a favourable impression on others. Our gesture of goodwill lifts our spirits and helps us feel more optimistic about S.R.Gopal Rao's prospects. We're the kind of people who see the glass half full. We're fortunate to have been a part of this event. It has helped us put things in perspective, and contributing here has enhanced our entire sense of purpose and identity; we feel gratified, fulfilled, and powerful. We aspire to contribute more in the same way in the future.
Essilor Vision Foundation and S.R.Gopal Rao Opticians & Optometrists
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