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Number:81 February 2021

27th ARADHANA OF SRI MAHA PERIYAVA

Blessed Visit of 46th Azhagiyasingar of Ahobila Mutt eyelights Feb 2021 27th Aradhana of Sri Maha Periyava and Awards Presentation

The New Year got off to an auspicious start with the 27th Aradhana of Sri Maha Periyava, on 12th January 2021 at Sankara Nethralaya’s Sri. V. D. Swami Auditorium. It was refreshing to attend an event in person with the pre-requisite SOPs in place, as the pandemic restrictions had prevented social gatherings in 2020. 27th Aradhana of Sri Maha Periyava opened with the auspicious Veda Gosham, followed by the Welcome Address and a short introduction to Sankara Nethralaya and Sri Maha Periyava by Ms. Anuradha, Principal, Elite School of Optometry. Following this, Archanai and Aarti to Sri Maha Periyava were performed. Mr. Raghunathan, a retired government employee gifted an artistic rendering of Sri Maha Periyava to Sankara Nethralaya, which was received by Dr. T. S. Surendaran. The lifelike painting will be hung in Vision Enhancement Clinic, Shenoy Nagar. Dr. A. R. Anand, Vidyasagar Institute of Biomedical Technology and Science (VIBS) In- Charge presented the Ph. D awardees for the year 2020. VIBS was established in October 2006 with a generous donation by Late Padmashri Iravatham Mahadevan, in memory of his elder son, the late Vidyasagar. The degrees were presented by Mr. G. Ramachandran, Honorary Secretary, Medical Research Foundation. Mr. Ravikanth Danda received the “Doctor of Philosophy” for his Ph.D. thesis entitled “Identification of Novel therapeutic target molecules in Retinoblastoma.” He completed his Ph. D on 12th December 2019. His supervisor Dr. S. Krishnakumar, Professor and Head of L & T Ocular Pathology department, accompanied him to the stage. Mr. Anand Babu completed his Ph.D. thesis entitled “Role of paraoxonase in oxidized LDL – Mediated Pathogenesis of age related molecular degeneration (AMD): in vivo studies in AMD patients and in vitro studies in human retinal pigment epithelial cells” on 17th February 2020. His supervisor was Dr. N. Angayarkanni, Professor and Head of R. S. Mehta Jain Department of Biochemistry & cell biology. Mr. Ravikanth Danda and Mr. Anand Babu were the valedictorian speakers. They thanked everyone who inspired them including Sankara Nethralaya and their Ph. D. supervisors.

2 Mr. Amit Chatterjee’s supervisor, Dr. J. Narayanan, Associate Professor of Nanobiotechnology department received Mr. Amit’s Ph. D on his behalf. Mr. Amit’s thesis “Understanding the mechanism of cell penetrating peptide using kerataconus epithelium as clinical model” was completed on 28th September 2020. Three awardees were awarded their Ph. Ds in absentia - Dr. S.Muthukumaran completed his Ph. D. on 20th July 2020 under SASTRA deemed-to-be University, Thanjavur. His supervisor is Dr. V. Umashankar, Faculty of Centre for Bioinformatics. Dr. Bhavna S. Rao completed her Ph. D on 3rd August 2020 Under SASTRA deemed-to-be University, Thanjavur. Her supervisor is Dr. N. Soumittra, Faculty of SN ONGC Department of Genetics & Molecular Biology. Dr. P. Karthikka completed her Ph. D on 5rd August 2020 under SASTRA deemed-to-be University, Thanjavur. Her supervisor is Dr. C. Subbulakshmi, Faculty of R.S. Mehta Jain Department of Biochemistry & cell biology. Institutional Awards - 2020 Dr. Smita Praveen, Director – Academics, MRF gave a short introduction of the significance of the institutional awards and called on Mr. G. Ramachandran, Hon. Secy., and Dr. T. S. Surendran, Vice Chairman, MRF to present the awards. Mr. G. Ramachandran presented Dr. Sudharshan S. with the Smt Sreerangamma N Narayana and Endowment Award for best scientist working on infectious diseases, along with a cash prize. The Smt. Radhamani N. Anantha Endowment Award for best scientist working on infectious diseases, accompanied by a cash prize went to Dr. Mamta Agarwal.

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Dr. T. S. Surendran presented the following awards: Swarnalata Punshi Award for Best Research Fellow went to Dr. Sneha Giridhar, along with a cash prize. The Swarnalata Punshi prize Award for Best Research Worker (medal, certificate, and cash prize) to Ms. Ramya. R. The Ruby Banik Memorial Award for Best Research in Clinical Sciences in Ophthalmology Award and cash prize was received by Ms. Najiya. S. K. The Prof. S. Krishnamoorthy Rao Memorial Award for Best Outgoing PhD went to Dr. Ravikanth Danda, along with a gold medal and certificate. Dr. Ramya G received the Dr. S. Ramakrishnan Endowment for Best Outgoing Post-Graduate of Diploma in Ophthalmology Dr. Merin Jacob received the Sri. K. Vasanth Madhavan Memorial Award instituted by Mrs K Saraswathi for Best Outgoing Post Graduate student of Diplomate of National board of Examinations. Dr. Mythri K Rao received the Dr. Kantimathynathan Endowment Medal instituted by Dr. Jagan Nathan for Best Post Graduate DNB candidate in Neuro Ophthalmology. Dr. Pallavi Goel and Dr. Mehta Parth Kirit received the Ms. Divya Chaturvedi Endowment Award for Best Outgoing Diploma in Ophthalmology student in Uvea. A Certificate of Merit – Chief Resident was presented to Dr. Mythri K Rao and Dr. Damisetti Anjali Gopalakrishna. Dr. Aanchal Agarwal received the Jayaben Chamanlal Shah Endowment award for Best Outgoing Sub Specialty Fellow. She thanked everyone saying the guidance of her instructors and teachers were vital to showing her and fellow students the way, helping them reach their goals. Dr. Smriti Jain received the Dr. V T Doshi Memorial award for Best outgoing Vitreo Retinal Fellow – Award and the Indian Society for Prevention of Blindness Endowment Award for Best Lady Fellow in Vitreo Retinal Sub-specialty. She thanked Dr. Sripriya Krishnamurthy and the teaching staff at Jaslok Community Ophthalmic Center and the sub-speciality teachers who guided her throughout her time at SN. At the end, everyone was invited to pay their respects and offer flowers to Sri Maha Periyava.

4 Sankara Nethralaya’s Republic Day Celebrations

Sankara Nethralaya was honored to host Dr. J. S. N. Murthy, leading cardiologist and former Vice chancellor, Sri Ramachandra Medical University for our Republic Day celebrations. Dr. Girish S. Rao, President, and Dr. T. S. Surendran, Vice- chairman and Director Pediatric Ophthalmology greeted our special guest and accompanied him to the dais. After the guests were seated, they were formally welcomed to the function. Dr. J. S. N. Murthy hoisted our national flag and inspected the parade, accompanied by Mr. I. K. Chellasamy, Chief Security Officer. Dr. Girish S. Rao and Dr. T. S. Surendran both gave very inspiring speeches and warmly welcomed the chief guest. Drs. T. S. Surendran and JSN Murthy were classmates and both are imbibed with the spirit of philanthropy. Dr. JSN Murthy has also many heart patients to receive a second chance of life with his philanthropy. In his speech, Dr. JSN Murthy said that Sankara Nethralay had become a beacon of hope for vision across the country and in the neighbouring countries. He appreciated that Dr. S. S. Badrinath had led Sankara Nethralaya to achieve success with deep professional and financial discipline. He also recalled that his father’s close friend Professor Appukutty, Prof. of Pediatric Anaesthesia donated a huge chunk of land in Guindy for Sankara Nethralaya, which is now the Dr. V. G. Appukutty campus in Guindy. He extolled the younger generations at SN to dedicate themselves to carry the torch forward. He remembered the words of Gurajada Apparao, freedom figher, “desamante matti kadoi desamante manushuloi,” which means the whole country is not made of mud and sand but the emotions of people that forms the nation. He applauded the fact that India distributed hydroxychloroquine during the pandemic to more than 80 countries including to the United States of America becoming the “Pharmacy for the Whole World.” Dr. JSN Murthy’s inspiring speech was a boost to our doctors and frontline workers and an encouragement to take the home-grown vaccine, which is being delivered to several of our neighbouring countries and even Brazil. To view the full speech, click here:- https://youtu.be/axwi3uJGS9U

5 eyelights Feb 2021 Blessed Visit of 46th Azhagiyasingar of Ahobila Mutt

Sankara Nethralaya was blessed by His Holiness, Srimath Srivan Satakopa Sri Ranganatha Yateendra Mahadesikan, the 46th Azhagiyasingar of Ahobila Mutt who visited Sankara Nethralaya’s Dr. V.G. Appukutty campus on 3rd January 2021. Dr. Girish Rao, President, and Dr. Rajesh gave a tour of the premises comprising the C. U. Shah Sankara Nethralaya, The SN Academy, Elite School of Optometry, and Jaslok Community Ophthalmic Centre. Mrs. Vidya Thirumalai, one of Sankara Nethralaya’s well-wishers, commenced the ceremony with an invocation. Colonel Raghavan, Advisor – Projects, gave a warm welcome to His Holiness on behalf of Dr. S. S. Badrinath and Dr. (Mrs.) Vasanthi Badrinath, and Sankara Nethralaya family members. Col. Raghavan also wished everyone present a Happy New Year. Dr. T. S. Surendaran and Dr. Girish Rao, President, honoured His Holiness with ceremonial tributes. His Holiness blessed the gathering and spoke how Dr. S. S. Badrinath performed a cataract surgery on his spiritual guru Sri Maha Periyava Sri Chandrasekerendra Saraswathi Swamigal. His Holiness recalled Sri Maha Periyava’s blessing that as long as the sun and moon shone Sankara Nethralaya would bloom and serve humanity. His Holiness also recounted Jayendra Sarswathi Swamigal’s call to Dr. S. S. Badrinath to found an institution in the service of India’s poor. He extolled the efforts and sacrifices of those who served the cause of bringing vision to the poor and needy. Service is a boon to society and we should encourage the practice amongst ourselves. His Holiness appreciated and blessed Dr. Girish Rao in continuing our founder’s mission to serve society. His Holiness blessed the institution, employees, and the students to take the vision forward for many decades. Dr. Rajesh offered the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to His Holiness who stayed to bless everyone present individually.

6 eyelights Feb 2021 New Diagnostic Hub Inaugurated in Mahyco Block – 6th Floor

On 19th Oct 2020, the diagnostic hub aka the outpatient department (OPD) was inaugurated on the 6th Floor Mahyco Block at Sankara Nethralaya, Nungambakkam, Chennai. The advanced diagnostic hub helps our ophthalmologists and eye care professionals in assessing the best methods of treating a patient when conventional treatments have not provided improved eyesight. While the new floor dedicated to advanced diagnostics had been in the works for quite a while, the lockdown hampered the progress for almost a year. Finally, after a lot of hard work the new OPD was inaugurated with a simple Pooja. The Low Vision Care Clinic is situated as one enters the diagnostic hub making it easier for patients with vision problems to easily move around unassisted. The two diagnostic rooms are a boon for patients who are unable to gain any vision even with prescription of glasses. Specialized devices and magnifiers would help patients to carry on their day-to-day activities independently. With the recent advancement of latest technology, people with low vision can be helped with augmented reality devices to improve their visual acuity and thereby their quality of life. The specialised equipment on the 6th floor aims to make diagnoses of eye disorders more accurate so patients can receive the correct treatment without delay. One of the most advanced fundus cameras, the Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) is used to capture the images of the retina (back of the eye) and the choroid layer after injecting a dye. The fundus camera helps ophthalmic professionals to look at the blood vessels inside the eye and blood circulation to evaluate eye disorders. The test is crucial for ophthalmologists to determine whether or not the blood vessels in the back of the eyes are receiving adequate blood flow. A lack of blood circulation to the eyes causes dangerous conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive way of capturing images extremely detailed cross-sectional images of retinal layers of high resolution without injecting any dye. This is especially useful in assessing the extent of disease progression in disorders like diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, artery and vein occlusions, and glaucoma. Electroretinography measures the electrical responses of the retina carried to the brain by placing an electrode on the surface of the cornea and the corresponding electrodes (references) are placed on the patient’s head. The Green Lasers are used to photocoagulate blood haemorrhages in the eye and vaporize the fluid accumulation in the Retina and to cease the leak and maintain eyesight. The B-Scan machine helps ophthalmologists view the cross sectional images of the eye to evaluate the anatomy structures and find any foreign bodies, orbit and retinal disorders. This much-needed diagnostic hub will aid our ophthalmologists to diagnose eye diseases and chronic conditions more efficiently and accurately. We thank our benefactors and well-wishers for the encouragement we received in our endeavour to provide an advanced diagnostic hub. The diagnostic hub is vital to a service- oriented hospital like Sankara Nethralaya, which seeks to bring light into the lives of the needy and indigent.

7 eyelights Feb 2021 Annual Sudharshana Homam – 5th Dec, 2020

Ayudha Puja celebrated across all SN branches – 23rd Oct, 2020

95th Birthday of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, 23rd Nov, 2020

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Indian Bank Donates PPE Sankara Nethralaya family thanks Indian Bank for their generous donation of hand sanitizers, surgical face masks, n95 masks, and pulse oximeters worth Rs. 5 lakhs. Shri. K. Ramachandran, Executive Director, Indian Bank and team presented their Covid-19 donation to Dr. Girish S. Rao, President on 10th November, 2020.

Inauguration of Library, V R R Block, SN Main, 17th Oct 2020 The library functioning on the 6th floor, Mahyco block was moved to the V. R. Ramanatha Iyer Block and inaugurated on 17th October, 2020 – Donated by Mrs. Surekha Mehta and Family in memory of her daughter, Miss Pinky (Mona) Rajnikant Mehta. Mrs. Surekha Mehta, a Trustee of the Sankara Nethralaya Women's Auxiliary(Swan), along with her family members officiated at the modest event. Her son, Mr. Rupesh Mehta cut the ribbon to open the long-awaited library.

9 eyelights Feb 2021 Walk for Vision with SN Family and Lions Club!

World Sight Day (WSD) is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. Dr. Veena Bhaskaran of Sankara Nethralaya backed by Lion’s Club International, organized a World Sight Day 2020 walkathon on Sunday, 11th October, 2020. The Charity walkathon “Walk for Vision” aimed to create awareness about preventable blindness. Participants went on a 5 km walk/cycle/run in the comfort of their home environments as per their fitness. Participants received an e-certificate and their selfies were published on our social media wall. The Charity walkathon was met with enthusiastic participation from Sankara Nethralaya’s ophthalmologists, students of Elite School of Optometry, TSNA, and the general public. Over 160 participants walked, ran, and cycled to help spread awareness of “Hope In Sight”, which was 2020’s clarion call. Once again, our long-time champion – Lions Club of Central Madras, District 324 A1 supported Sankara Nethralaya’s four- decade long crusade against preventable blindness and organized a “Walk for Vision” walkathon on 11th October 2020 at Natesan Park, T. Nagar. Lion members led by President Ln Dr. T Elangovan, walked around the park in small groups maintaining adequate social distancing, following all the necessary protocols and distributed pamphlets to the general public to create awareness about Diabetic Retinopathy. President Ln Dr T Elangovan addressed a small gathering regarding the ill- effects of uncontrolled diabetes, which can result in Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Walkers present during the address were happy to be made aware of this important complication of Diabetes. They thanked the club members for this wonderful initiative. Lion. Dr. T. Elangovan, President of the Lions Club of Central Madras led the Walk for Vision along with Lion. N. Valayapathy, Lion. R. Ravindran, Lion E.P. Thirumalai, Lion C. D. Murugan Babu, Lion. R. Viswananthan, Lion M. S. Sasikumar, Lion.S. Sargunasekaran, Lion. E. Thilagavathy, Lion M. S. Kishore Kumar, Lion. Sampath Thirumalai, Lion N. Sathyaseelan, and Lion Dr. D. S. Mithra. Sankara Nethralaya is ever thankful for the support of Lions’ Club team and everyone who participated in the Walkathon to spread the message of Universal Eye Health.

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11th Convocation Ceremony of The Sankara Nethralaya Academy

The students of Sankara Nethralaya Academy received their degrees at the 11th convocation ceremony on 11th Jan 2021 at the campus Padur, Chennai. The students turned professional Managers and entrepreneurs were awarded their degrees after completing rigorous training to be industry ready using learning mechanisms such as classroom discussions, seminars, career vision, research projects and internship at TSNA. The TSNA conducts management courses in collaboration with the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (Deemed to be University). TSNA also offers other courses ranging from certificate to doctoral level programs in health care, research and hospital administration. A total of 1500 students were awarded their degrees and diplomas at the convocation ceremony. Honorable chief guest Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Dept. of Defense R &D, Chairman DRDO, New Delhi handed over the degrees and special awards of merit to the deserving students. The award winners of Faculty of Management Studies, The Sankara Nethralaya Academy are as follows: MBA – Hospital & Healthcare Management First Rank – Ms. Aanisha Nihmat – Gold Medal & Rs.15,000 cash award Second Rank – Ms. Priya L. – Silver Medal & Rs.10,000 cash award BBA – Hospital & Healthcare Management First Rank – Ms. Ishwrya M. – Gold Medal & Rs.10,000 cash award Second Rank – Ms. Steffy R. – Silver Medal & Rs.5,000 cash award

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Help a Poor Person Regain His Sight Dear Friend, Greetings from Sankara Nethralaya, India. I hope you and your family are doing well and staying safe. On behalf of Dr S. S. Badrinath Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya, I would like to thank you for your continued support to Sankara Nethralaya over the last years. I write and appeal to you at the time of our greatest need. The whole world has been facing unsurmountable difficulties due to the COVID 19 pandemic for the past year. Even through this, we Indians have supported each and preserved with undaunted compassion. This pandemic has affected every aspect of life – Education, Healthcare, Arts, and Economy to name a few. It is even more difficult for a charitable institution like Sankara Nethralaya. Even though rural and urban camps, including the Mobile Eye Surgery (MESU) Camps have still not been given permission by the Health Department, indigent patients are flowing into Sankara Nethralaya, Jaslok Community Ophthalmic Center for treatment. In spite of the greatly reduced income to the hospital due to the reduced patient flow and the increase in expenses because of the usage of Protective gear like PPE, masks, hand sanitizers, etc., we continue to treat poor patients totally free of cost as caring for those who cannot afford and providing them world-class eye-care is our philosophy. We are reaching out to all our known donors, friends, and well-wishers to aid us as much as you can. Your donation will help us continue our service to community. We seek your benevolent support for Sankara Nethralaya during this time of our greatest need. Any support from you would be greatly and sincerely appreciated. I take this opportunity to thank you once again.

With warm regards and best wishes

Dr. Girish S. Rao President

Donate Online https://www.supportsankaranethralaya.org/ssndonation/Donate-Now.aspx

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Reach us at Join our Mission for Vision

Sankara Nethralaya - Main Campus Old No.18, New No.41, College Road, Chennai - 600 006. Ph: 044-2827 1616, 4227 1500 Jagadguru Kanchi Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Nethra Nilayam 21, Pycrofts Garden Road, Chennai - 600 006. Ph: 044-2827 1616, 4227 1500 1. One time on a designated date Elite School of Optometry (ESO) & The Sankara Nethralaya Academy (TSNA) Single Cataract Surgery Rs. 5,000 Dr. V. G. Appukutty Campus,No.8, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai - 600 016. Ph: 044-2234 9269 (ESO) / Ph: 044-4908 6000 (TSNA) Single Major Surgery such as Retina, Glaucoma Rs. 17,500 C.U. Shah Sankara Nethralaya & Jaslok Community Ophthalmic Centre (JCOC) 2. Single day free service Dr. V.G. Appukutty Campus, No.8, GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai – 600 016. Ph: 044-2234 6022, 2234 4474 (CU Shah) Approximately 40 Surgeries per day Rs.2,00,000 Ph: 044-4223 1500, 2827 1616, 2826 0477 / Extn. 2304 (JCOC) 3. Year after year on a designated date for 12 years Navasuja Sankara Nethralaya No.73, VenkataKrishna Iyer Road, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai - 600028. Single Free Cataract Surgery Rs.50,000 Ph: 044-2461 1273, 2495 1717 Single major Surgery (Retina, Glaucoma) Rs.1,50,000 Smt. T.K. Lakshmi Ammal and Smt. T.K. Alamelu Ammal Sankara Nethralaya 4. Tele-ophthalmology No. 39,1st Main Road, East Shenoy Nagar, Chennai - 600030. Sponsoring the Tele-ophthalmology camp Ph: 044-2664 1913 for one day Rs.20,000 Aditya Birla Sankara Nethralaya, Kolkata 5. Corpus Fund No.147/1, Barakhola, Mukundapur, E M Bypass, (Near Santhoshpur) Ph: 033-4401 3000, 4401 3001, 4401 3002 For Community outreach program Any amount Kamalnayan Bajaj Sankara Nethralaya 6. Naming a room Rs 10,00,000 Premises No- 25- 3333, Plot No:DJ 16 Action Area -ID, New Town, Kolkata- 700156 7. Any other purpose Any amount Ph: 033- 44013000. email - [email protected] Sankara Nethralaya RSM Square Kindly draw your cheques in favour of 10, Raja Subodh Mallik Square, Kolkata - 700 013. Ph:033-64991196/ 97/98 “Medical Research Foundation” Sri City Sankara Nethralaya Donations are exempt under Section 80G 305, North, 2nd Street, Sector 3, Sri City, Vardhiapalem Mandal Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh 517 541. Ph: 08576 308600 For more details, contact Suraj Sankara Nethralaya Ms. Kavitha B, TNo. 34, Dharmaraja Koil Street, Chetpet Post & Taluk, Deputy Manager, Resource Mobilization Tiruvannamalai Dt, Pincode 606801, Tamil Nadu, India. Ph : +91-44-4227 1550 Sankara Nethralaya e-mail: [email protected] Ph: 044-28202448, 044-28271616 (extn - 1438) Announcement: Sankara Nethralaya is saddened to announce the closing of our Websites : www.sankaranethralaya.org, Sri Srinivasa Sankara Nethralaya in Tirupati. To read more click here www.supportsankaranethralaya.org, www.omlog.org, www.sankaranethralayausa.org Please mail your feedback to us at [email protected]

Insight- A passion for compassion Read a great book, fulfill a greater cause! We seek your kind patronage for 'Insight' the poignant narration of Sankara Nethralaya's growth to a world class humanitarian eye care institution and success of a social enterprise by noted biographers Shri. George Skarias, Shri. VV.Ranganathan and Ms Meera Prasad, with interesting inputs from eminent personalities. 'Insight' is a most enjoyable and informative book and a wonderful gifting option for all age groups and occasions. Entire sales proceeds go towards providing cost free eye care to the poor and needy. Please pick your copy of this great literary work of compassion at the SN main centre, Higginbotham's and Rasi Silk emporiums at Anna Nagar, Mylapore and Nanganallur.

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