Engaged Buddhism: The non-profit Buddhist FHSM organizes free eye clinics for disadvantaged communities in Chennai, India

The socially engaged Buddhist non-profit organization Foundation of His Sacred Majesty (FHSM) has organized three free eye clinics for disadvantaged communities in the Indian city of Chennai, where the organization runs several programs aimed at helping and empowering communities socially marginalized and economically disadvantaged.

“His Holy Majesty's Foundation has set up three eye camps in the neighborhoods of Kaspapuram, Kamarajapuram and Perambur. All these slums are in Chennai,” FHSM Chairman Reverend Gauthama Prabu told BDG. “Through these three clinics, FHSM has so far helped 59 elderly people with free cataract surgeries and 381 poor people with free glasses. We thank all of our doctors, supporters and supporters for helping to make this mission such a success.

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)

The FHSM is affiliated with the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).

“Blindness is one of the most debilitating health conditions and preventable blindness is a major international health problem,” Reverend Prabu explained. “The World Health Organization estimates that 180 million people are severely visually impaired (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 cases of blindness are preventable and can be prevented or cured with appropriate treatment. Thus, FHSM aims to support 10 remote eye camps per year.

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

“Thousands of people suffer unnecessarily from cataract blindness and eye impairments in India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, due to inadequate and inaccessible services,” Rev. Prabu observed. “Faced with growing demand, we are doing everything we can to maximize the benefits and reach of our existing services. With the simplified and relatively non-invasive surgical technique of lens replacement now available, we have found that medical camps are an effective and safe strategy for treating large numbers of people at one time.

“In total, we are planning to do 10 camps in Chennai with 200 free cataract surgeries, and 15 camps in Hyderabad with 300 free cataract surgeries,” Rev. Prabu noted.

Based in Chennai (formerly Madras), the state capital of Tamil Nadu, FHSM is founded and guided by the principles of socially engaged Buddhism and has a strong focus on disadvantaged and marginalized communities. The foundation's activities revolve around four major 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.

“We are deeply grateful for the tireless work of our staff and volunteers, who cooperated and coordinated with FHSM to implement our outreach programs,” Reverend Prabu emphasized. “And we cannot express enough gratitude for the generous contributions of our donors – corporations, grant-making institutions and partnerships with hospitals, community leaders, healthcare workers, social workers and community organizers – for us. help make our efforts a reality! Your constant motivation and support plays a key role in all of our endeavours. Thank you for always being by our side and for continuing to flood us with your kindness!

For more information:

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

For 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

For 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: Non-Profit Buddhist FHSM Holds Free Eye Clinic in Chennai (BDG), Engaged Buddhism: Non-Profit FHSM Buddhist Offers Free Eye Clinic (BDG) Program Progress Report and Update Engaged Buddhism Day: Nonprofit FHSM Holds Free Eye Clinic Clinic in Hyderabad on Christmas Day (BDG)