Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist non-profit FHSM expands free eye clinics to underprivileged communities in India

- through Henry Oudin

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Images courtesy of Her Holy Majesty’s Foundation

Socially engaged Buddhist non-profit organization, His Sacred Majesty's Foundation (HSM), has expanded its program of free eye clinics for underprivileged people in India, where the organization runs several programs aimed at helping and empowering the socially marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities.

FHSM shared with BDG that it has hosted a series of free eye clinics in the eastern port city of Chennai (formerly Madras) in recent weeks*, as well as additional eye clinics in Hyderabad, and has helped provide continued assistance and support to those who did not have access. to expensive medical care.

“FHSM has conducted a total of six eye camps in Chennai,” FHSM President Rev. Gauthama Prabu told BDG. “We had earlier conducted five clinics in Kaspapuram, Kamarajapuram, Perambur, Tiruvottriyur and Peerkankarai areas, all of which are slums in Chennai.

“On October 28, we completed our sixth eye camp in Chennai and third eye camp in Hyderabad. Out of a total of 3 people screened, FHSM has so far helped 552 elderly people undergo free cataract surgeries and over 191 poor people by providing them free glasses in Chennai and Hyderabad.

“We thank all our doctors, well-wishers and well-wishers for contributing to the success of this event,” Rev. Prabu emphasized.

Images courtesy of Her Holy Majesty’s Foundation

Headquartered in Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu, FHSM is founded and guided by the principles of socially engaged Buddhism and focuses on helping disadvantaged and marginalized communities. The foundation's activities are structured around four main proposals: protecting and conserving ecosystems; promote alternative health systems; social transformation through the strengthening of grassroots democracy and good governance; and sustainable livelihoods, education and social empowerment. The FHSM is affiliated with the International Network of Committed Buddhists (INEB).

“Blindness is one of the most debilitating health conditions and preventable blindness is a major international health problem,” said Rev. Prabu. “The World Health Organization estimates that 180 million people suffer from severe visual impairment (legally blind, by international standards). Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and 90 percent of this blindness occurs in developing countries. About 80 percent of blindness is preventable and can be prevented or cured with appropriate treatment. Thus, the FHSM aims to support 10 remote ophthalmological camps per year.

FHSM's free eye clinics are supported by Mumbai-headquartered All Cargo Logistics, and medical expertise is provided in cooperation with medical organizations such as Agarwal Eye Hospital and LV Prasad Eye Institute. 'Hyderabad.

Named in commemoration of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (rc 268-c. 232 BCE), a key figure in the spread of Buddhism across Asia, His Sacred Majesty's Foundation was established in 2007 with the mission of " preserve, promote and disseminate the principles of liberty, equality, fraternity and social justice through non-formal education, sustainable livelihoods and conservation of ecology, alternative/preventive medicine, empowerment social, social advocacy and social development in order to restore the human dignity of the poor and marginalized. (Facebook)

Images courtesy of Her Holy Majesty’s Foundation

“In total, FHSM has conducted 17 free eye camps in India during the current financial year 2023-2024, helping over 364 beneficiaries with free cataract surgeries and 2 beneficiaries with free glasses, spread across States such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka. “said Reverend Prabu, who is also the president of the Tamil Buddhist Society. “Since 018, FHSM has successfully conducted 2013 free cataract surgeries, provided free glasses to 3 people and examined 509 people among India's marginalized communities, covering states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

“We thank our donors for trusting us while continuing this noble endeavor and supporting us for 11 years. We express our gratitude and goodwill to all the doctors, volunteers, well-wishers and our beloved team for being a part of this effort.

For more information on the FHSM:

E-mail: (protected email)
Phone number: +91-9791239333 / +91-8680020086 / +91-9840813935

International donations:

Account name: Foundation of His Holy Majesty
Bank: National Bank of India
Account number: 31203682095
Fork: Selaiyur, Chennai
Swift Code: SBININBB298
IFSC code: SBIN0007948

Donations in India:

Account name: Foundation of His Holy Majesty
Bank: National Bank of India
Account number: 30522574810
Fork: Selaiyur, Chennai
IFSC code: SBIN0007948

*Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist non-profit FHSM conducts free eye clinics for underprivileged communities in Chennai, India (BDG) and Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist non-profit FHSM continues free eye clinics for underprivileged communities in India (BDG)

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Henry Oudin

Henry Oudin is a Buddhist scholar, spiritual adventurer and journalist. He is a passionate seeker of the depths of Buddhist wisdom, and travels regularly to learn more about Buddhism and spiritual cultures. By sharing his knowledge and life experiences on Buddhist News, Henry hopes to inspire others to embrace more spiritual and mindful ways of living.

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