43rd Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp September 13-21, 2026
NEW DELHI / CHICAGO (TIP): Alongside the spiritual celebrations of the 30th Global Conference on Mysticism, another beautiful expression of love and selfless service unfolded at Kirpal Bagh, Delhi, as the 43rd Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp was organized to bring the gift of sight and compassionate medical care to those in need.
While thousands of seekers from across India and around the world had gathered at Kirpal Bagh to listen to the spiritual message of the Masters, participate in meditation, and celebrate the 80th Birth Anniversary of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, another gathering was taking place within the same sacred precincts – one in which people had come seeking relief from impaired vision and the hope of seeing the world clearly once again. The camp became a deeply moving expression of the spirit of selfless service that lies at the heart of the teachings of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj.
Amidst the festive decorations, devotional programs, and jubilant atmosphere of the 30th Global Conference on Mysticism, doctors, medical professionals, and dedicated volunteers quietly devoted themselves to serving hundreds of patients, demonstrating in a practical and compassionate way that spiritual life finds one of its noblest expressions in caring for others. At a gathering dedicated to the inner journey, hundreds of people were helped to experience the outer world with greater clarity. The spiritual and humanitarian dimensions came together wonderfully, reminding all that love must find expression not only in words, but also in compassionate action. The two were not separate. They were, in essence, two manifestations of the same ideal: love for God expressed through love and service to humanity.
CATARACTS – A CHALLENGE ROBBING PEOPLE OF THEIR FREEDOM
Cataract, a condition in which the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, remains a major cause of avoidable visual impairment for millions in India. As the condition progresses, everyday activities that most people take for granted – reading, walking safely, recognizing loved ones, working, travelling, or carrying out household tasks – can become increasingly difficult. For those who lack access to timely and affordable medical care, the gradual loss of vision can have consequences extending far beyond eyesight itself. It can affect a person’s independence, livelihood, confidence, and ability to participate fully in family and community life. But with appropriate diagnosis and timely surgical treatment, sight can often be restored, allowing individuals to return to many of the activities they once enjoyed. It was with this understanding and with a spirit of compassion for those facing such challenges that Science of Spirituality/Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission continued its ongoing humanitarian initiative of providing free eye examinations and cataract surgeries to those who might otherwise find such treatment difficult to afford.
THE 43rd FREE EYE CHECKUP AND CATARACT SURGERY CAMP
The 43rd Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp was held at Kirpal Bagh, Delhi, as part of the selfless service activities associated with the 30th Global Conference on Mysticism. Continuing a noble tradition during a particularly significant year for the Mission, as devotees from around the world had gathered in Delhi not only for the Conference but for the 80th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, the eye camp helped bring the physical light of sight to those in need while the Conference celebrated the Light of spiritual wisdom guiding humanity for eight decades.
The successful execution of the camp was made possible through dedicated partnership between Science of Spirituality/Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission and ICARE Eye Hospital in Noida, which provides the transport and medical equipment necessary for cataract screening and surgeries. Skilled ophthalmologists from the ICARE Eye Hospital and those visiting from the US carry out the surgeries. Doctors from the US bring with them eye-lenses donated by the corporations there, while the ICARE Eye Hospital provides lenses for surgeries done by the ICARE doctors. Through this collaborative effort twice a year, SOS/SKRM has restored the eyesight of more than 25,000 people till date.
From the early hours of September 13, people began arriving from nearby villages, towns, and surrounding areas to Kirpal Bagh for eye examinations. 1,987 people underwent eye screening by doctors and trained medical staff. Following detailed assessments, 860 patients received cataract-removal surgery during the next week at the ICARE Eye Hospital in Noida.
COMPASSION AND CARE
The camp also brought together a large team of SOS/SKRM volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the ground. From helping patients with registration and guiding them through the screening process to coordinating transportation, maintaining orderly movement, assisting medical teams, and attending to the many practical requirements of the patients, the volunteers performed their duties with patience and loving care. For many patients, particularly those who may have felt anxious or uncertain about undergoing medical procedures, the reassuring presence of volunteers offered comfort throughout their journey. Their seva reflected the principle taught by the spiritual Masters of Sant Mat that true service asks for neither recognition nor reward. It simply sees a need and responds with love.
VOICES OF PATIENTS
The true impact of the Eye Camp could be seen in the heartfelt experiences shared by those who came seeking relief from impaired vision. For 56-year-old Surender Chander, the Eye Camp provided an opportunity for vision repair after he learned about it through his family. Sharing his experience, he said that he was feeling “very good” after coming to the camp. Reflecting on what restored eyesight could mean for him, he said with touching simplicity, “When the eyes will change, there will be change all around.” Anita Sharma, 65, said that her children had seen information about the camp on Instagram and told her about it. She spoke warmly about her experience, repeatedly saying that it was “very good.”
72-year-old Charanjeet Singh had come to the SKRM Eye Camp with complete faith, saying, “Maharaj Ji’s grace is here; they will not give bad treatment.” Asha Sachdeva, 47, shared that her eyesight had deteriorated to the point where she was unable to see properly. Grateful for the opportunity to receive treatment without financial burden, she said, “Maharaj Ji has provided this free service; otherwise, it would cost a lot outside.” Her words reflected the profound difference that free medical care can make for those who might otherwise struggle to afford treatment.
VOICES OF DOCTORS
A volunteer opthmalogist explained, “When you arrive, you meet people who have lived in darkness for years simply because they didn’t know help existed or couldn’t afford it. Coming back every six months lets us follow up, improve how we organize the camp, and make sure these families know they aren’t forgotten.”
Another explained that for them, patient safety remains paramount: “We operate inside a proper hospital setup, which means the sterilization, the medicines, and the protocols are non-negotiable. Our patients receive top-tier implants regardless of the cost.”
“In these families, when an elder loses their sight, they lose their independence,” another doctor shared. “Often a child or grandchild has to stop working or leave school just to take care of them. When the bandage comes off the next morning and they can see clearly again, the relief is overwhelming. They can walk on their own, earn their living, and take care of their families again. You give them their dignity back.”
THE GUIDING LIGHT BEHIND THE GIFT OF SIGHT
The driving force behind this noble and far-reaching effort is the timeless principle of selfless service, so beautifully taught and exemplified by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. He reminds us that a truly spiritual life is one in which we look beyond ourselves and reach out to ease the suffering of others. As he says, “Love is translated into thoughts, words, and deeds that are expressed in kindness to others. It is expressed in how much we care about others. It is demonstrated by how much we give of ourselves to help or serve others.”
At Kirpal Bagh, this ideal could be seen in action throughout the camp. Doctors offered their professional expertise; medical staff devoted their time and skills; volunteers worked long hours to manage the many practical requirements; and patients were welcomed with care and compassion. Each person played a part in an effort whose ultimate purpose was beautifully simple – to help another human being see and live more clearly.
(Based on a Press release issued by Renee Mehrra)
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