Tej Kohli Foundation Gurgaon Carnival Leaves a Lasting Impact

Event Name : Gurgaon Carnival
Event Date : 03-Sep-2011
Event Place : Gaushala Ground to New Railway Road

On September 3, 2011, the streets of Gurgaon echoed with the loud roar of “Netradaan Mahadaan” as thousands of people including schoolchildren flocked to attend the millennium city's first ever carnival – .

Thanks to the untiring efforts of the Tej Kohli Foundation and the Niramaya Eye Bank, more than seven hundred people in Gurgaon have already pledged their eyes for donation, and an additional one hundred people registered their names during the Carnival.

An estimated 5000 people walked down the 4.5 km long stretch of colorfully decorated city roads, carrying placards and banners inscribed with thoughtful slogans about the importance and generosity of eye donation, receiving incredible support from the passerby.

Nearly 3,000 students from various schools and colleges whole-heartedly supported the movement and were seen talking to people and spreading the word.

Noted television personality, Shekhar Suman, flagged off the event by pledging his eyes for donation, along with other officials. Addressing the crowd, Suman praised Gurgaon's commitment to the cause and was a motivating force in garnering new donation pledges during the Carnival. He added that his wife Akla joined him in his pledge, committing them both to giving the gift of sight.

The crowd was a mix of local residents, students, members of various resident welfare associations and corporate offices thronging the Gaushala Ground, near the MG Road and Old Delhi Road intersection. State Minister for Health and Medical Education, Rao Narendra Singh, Haryana Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Sukhbir Kataria, Gurgaon Police Commissioner SS Deswal and Deputy Commissioner PC Meena were also present at the function.

“When we joined this cause back in 2010, little did we know that it would become one of the largest eye donation and awareness venture in North India, ” said Mr. Rajiv Pradhan, Tej Kohli Foundation Head, India. “It is unfortunate that so few people understand the importance of eye donation. There is a distinct lack of awareness and combined with presumed societal dogmas and myths, many people refrain from donating their eyes. Through events like these, we hope to increase awareness and encourage more people to shed their inhibitions and leave the gift of sight for someone else,” he continued.