A panel discussion on “Against all odds”, and felicitation of 7 visually impaired women achievers across Karnataka, commemorating International Women’s Day

Embrace Equity, is a theme this year for International Women’s Day. Visually impaired women have always struggled to achieve their potential. To encourage women, Sankara Eye Hospital & CII Young Indians felicitated seven visually challenged women achievers from Karnataka for their outstanding performance in sports, technology and social sector with lessons on challenges faced and tips to break barriers.

Guest of honour for the event were Dr Radha Ramani , Cofounder Sankara Eye Foundation India , Ms Vidhya Murthy, Kannada film and television actress, Mrs Santhi P, CSR Manager, Titan Company Ltd.

1. Kavya V – Key part of Karnataka Blind Women’s Cricket team (B3 category player)
2. Deepika TC- Key part of Karnataka Blind Women’s Cricket team (B3 category player)
3. Renuka Rajput- Key part of Karnataka Blind Women’s Cricket team (B2 category player)
4. Madhu Singhal – social activist, Founder and Managing Trustee of Mitrajyothi.
5. Radha Venkatesh – Indian Para-Athlete player who represented at Asia level.
6. Rakshitha Raju – Indian Para-Athlete player who represented at Asian level.
7. Vidhya Y – 1st totally blind student to qualify from IIITB, Co-founder of Vision Empower

Speaking about the pride moment Dr. Radha Ramani, Co-founder, Sankara Eye Foundation, said, “Leadership is natural to women. They combine empathy with values and learn to balance work and life. Today we are proud to recognise leaders who make India proud. They have broken myths against all odds, that women who are visually impaired needs support. Instead these path breakers are supporting many others achieve their potential. We at Sankara Eye Foundation India will continue to ensure world class eye care for women and an opportunity for them to work with us and become leaders in eye care”.

“At Young Indians we strongly believe in the need for inclusive growth. We must continue to improve awareness & infrastructure to remove barriers for those with disability from achieving their potential. We are proud to partner with Sankara Eye Hospital, in recognising these leaders who have ensured that their lack of sight has not come in the way of their vision and passion to succeed in their chosen field. They are truly the Pride of India” said Bhavin P , Chapter Chair CII Young Indians.

“It gives me immense pleasure to be here with these wonderful women achievers . They overcame  barriers and their success becomes motivation for all women in the country.Kudos to Sankara Eye Foundation & Young Indians for this initiative”, said Ms Vidhya Murthy, Kannada film and television actress.

Mrs Santhi P, CSR Manager, Titan Company Ltd, said, “As a responsible corporate citizen we believe women should be empowering women and encouraging each other. Women need to ensure that apart from our regular work and responsibilities we focus on what we are passionate about.”

Across the world women have 1/3 less access to eye care than men. Sankara Eye Hospital , through its outreach has ensured that 52% of patients treated are women. Sankara Academy of Vision through its educations programme enables 75 meritorious girls from underprivileged backgrounds to be certified as ophthalmic assistants. 65% of the team at Sankara are women with 52% of the leadership positions being led by women. We need to all embrace equity to ensure that India continues to forge ahead in all socio economic indicators.