Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Kabir Bedi named brand ambassador for Sightsavers

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National, March 6, 2017: Sightsavers, a leading global development organization working in over 30 countries to combat avoidable blindness and promote equal opportunities for visually impaired announced its association with internationally acclaimed actor and director, Kabir Bedi as its brand ambassador.  

Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, former chief election commissioner (CEC) of India and Honorary Chair of Sightsavers in India announced the news at a media event. The event also saw live demonstration of self-defense by four girls who were benefitted by Sightsavers and have won the National Blind Judo Championship in 2016.
Since 1966, Sightsavers has rigorously worked in their three core areas – Social Inclusion, Inclusive Education and Eye Health. They have supported the treatment of millions of people with eye disorders and brought eye services to some of the least served areas of the country. Sightsavers have impacted lives of people in 100 districts across 8 priority states by building sustainable programme models, which have been endorsed and adopted by the government. In the last year, Sightsavers has conducted 1,55,986 sight restoration surgeries, 22,01,134 eye screenings, distributed 2,18,690 spectacles and refracted 6,47,007 people.
Speaking on his association with Sightsavers India, Kabir Bedi said, “Today there is immense awareness and attempt towards eye health and care in India and Sightsavers have shown way to Corporate Social Responsibility in the country with their achievements in the area of eye care. I feel great pride to be associated with Sightsavers as their brand ambassador and I take the responsibility to draw people’s attention and sensitize them in this regards. I look forward to being part of the Sightsavers family and their commendable journey in India.”
Addressing the guests at the event, Dr. S. Y. Quraishi, Honorary Chairman of Sightsavers India said, “I feel proud to be part of this great organization and delighted at this association with Sh. Kabir Bedi. This alliance itself signifies the convergence to a focused journey ahead amplifying the impact in the coming times. The mission that was started more than five decades ago is forging ahead with renewed enthusiasm with this association to bring sight to many and lighten up their lives with hope. I pay my respect to Sir John Wilson whose vision had set a course to change the eye health scenario of not only India but globally.”
R.N. Mohanty, CEO Sightsavers (India) said at the event, “This association with Sh. Kabir Bedi will be a great alliance for Sightsavers to cater to a wider audience. We envisage a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes and where visually impaired people participate equally in society. By 2020, we aim to touch one million figure for surgeries; cover 5000 schools under school eye health reaching to 500,000 students; educate 1,50,000 disabled students and train 5000 teachers, cater to 1,25,000 students under low vision initiative in our priority states. I am really looking forward to this association.”
About Sightsavers: Sightsavers is a global development organization working in India since 1966 to eliminate avoidable blindness and to ensure that people who are irreversibly blind are supported adequately to lead lives of independence and dignity. Today, it works with partner organizations across major states in India bringing eye healthcare, educational support, training and leadership development to visually impaired people in some of the least served areas. It works sustainably for lasting change – by strengthening existing health systems, seeking to advocate with governments and by demonstrating best practices. Sightsavers believes in promoting indigenous technologies in eye healthcare to ensure a wider reach.

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