The Hindu : New Delhi News : A doctor with a mission

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 22, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

A doctor with a mission

This ophthalmologist, well known across the country as a doctor with a mission, was in the Capital on Monday to receive the Padma Bhushan from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for his selfless work that includes conducting eye camps in villages around Chennai and treatment and operation of several lakhs of patients with eye disorders.

Dr. Jaiveer Agarwal has also pioneered eye donation campaigns for treatment of corneal blindness and the screening of school children for defective vision.

Speaking about his dream, Dr. Agarwal said: "I want to ensure that villagers in Tamil Nadu have access to eye hospitals that provide basic eye treatment and care free of cost to the general public. They are people who really need this facility. I want 20 such hospitals in various villages of Tamil Nadu and we would need Rs. 5 crores to set up each of these. It is a big dream but not impossible."

Speaking about his interaction with Dr. Kalam, Dr. Agarwal said: "The President wished me luck for my work and even came up to our table to speak to us. My wife invited him to see our hospital While he agreed to pay a visit, the President wanted to know if we would serve him food during the visit. He also waited for our coffee to arrive and ensured that we felt at home. It was a very touching gesture." -- Bindu Shajan Perappadan

-- Bindu Shajan Perappadan

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