Patna: Jagadguru Pujyashri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya on Thursday inaugurated the Sri Kanchi Guruparampara Sankara Eye Hospital within the premises of Shree Narayan Medical Institute & Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The event was also graced by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh.
State-of-the-Art Facility for Rural Eye Care
The ultra-modern eye hospital, built at an estimated cost of Rs 11.55 crore, is designed to provide free or low-cost eye care to underserved rural populations in North-East Bihar and neighboring Nepal. This initiative aims to address the significant gap in accessible eye healthcare in the region.
Historical Connection Highlighted
Addressing the gathering, Shankaracharya recalled the old connection between Saharsa (Bihar) and Kanchi (Tamil Nadu), expressing profound pleasure at opening this eye-care facility for the poor people of the region. He emphasized the spiritual and cultural ties that bind the two regions.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh expressed his gratitude to Kanchi Shankaracharya for visiting this historical place and inaugurating the mega eye-care facility. He noted that the hospital would serve as a beacon of hope for rural communities.
Dignitaries Present
Others present on the occasion included Janardan Singh Sigriwal, MP; Neeraj Kumar Bablu, MLA; Sanjay Kumar Sinh, MLC; and Saharsa Mayor Priya Jha. Their presence underscored the collective support for the project.
Phased Rollout of Services
The trustee and executive chairman of Shankara Eye Hospital announced that OPD services will commence on Friday, with full operational capacity expected by July. The hospital, equipped with world-class instruments and specialist doctors, will provide free treatment to 75 percent of patients in the region, ensuring that even the most vulnerable have access to quality eye care.
Earlier Visit to Mahisi Temple
Earlier, on his way to Saharsa, Shankaracharya visited a temple built in revered memory of Shankaracharya and Mandan Mishra at Mahisi. He addressed a gathering of devotees there, further strengthening the spiritual connection with the region.
