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May 15, 2024

Brightening Lives- Dera Sacha Sauda Eye Donation Initiative

In our world, eyes play a crucial role. Think about how hard it must be for people who can't see and have to live in the dark all the time. 

But what if we could help them see again? That's where you come in. By donating your eyes after departure from this world, you can give someone else the gift of sight. 

It's a big deal because it means they can see the world just like you do. Plus, donating your eyes can also help doctors learn more about how to help people see better in the future. 

So, by giving the gift of sight, you're making a huge difference in someone's life and helping out science too.

Shedding Light on the Magnitude of Blindness

Blindness is a global health issue that affects millions of people, particularly in the developing world. The statistics surrounding blindness are staggering.

However, what's even more alarming is that a significant portion of these cases are preventable or treatable with the right interventions. Among all, people above the age of 50 years, face 80% of blindness. In the whole world, people between 300-400 million are visually impaired. Many reasons may have been its causes. And amid them, approx. 50 million people fall under the category of totally blind. 

However, a substantial number of them can have their vision restored through corneal transplants. 

This procedure has the potential to give useful vision back. However, despite the availability of such treatments, the gap between those in need and those receiving care remains vast.

The situation is even alarming in India!

India, in particular, shoulders a significant portion of the global burden of blindness. With an estimated 18.7 million people affected by blindness, the country accounts for nearly half of the world's blind population.

Within this staggering figure, 1,90,000 individuals suffer from bilateral corneal blindness. 

Immediate Action is Indeed Necessary 

The situation is projected to worsen if immediate action is not taken. This staggering number underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, infrastructure, and resources to tackle the issue effectively.

In countries like India, where the burden of blindness is especially pronounced, urgent action is needed to address the growing crisis. Through increased awareness, access to treatment, and support for initiatives like eye donation, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of blindness and restoring vision to those in need.

How is Dera Sacha Sauda Contributing to Alleviating the Burden of Blindness? 

Eye Donation Initiative was inaugurated on 1st April 2004 by Revered Saint Dr. MSG. With the vision to alleviate this blindness burden and provide people with the gift of sight, Baba Ram Rahim urged millions of followers for this noble cause. 

A posthumous eye donation is a noble act of humanity. In this, even after passing out from this world, you serve the world with the gift of sight. Those eyes give a second life to the blind. It dispels darkness from their lives with the light of their eyesight. 

The joy of watching the world, which was out of their sight earlier, cannot be measured or compared in any manner. 

So with the clarion call of Revered Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji, millions of His followers took a pledge for this noble initiative. 

About 144323 volunteers have pledged for it so far. 

They have even provided their written consent for posthumous eye donation. This bold initiative is restoring hope among millions of blind people. 

What are the Religious Beliefs associated with Eye Donation?

Every religion promotes noble deeds. Indeed, each religion advocates for performing acts of welfare and uplifting all creatures of the Almighty. It is written in Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity that saving lives and helping others to live is among the most benevolent acts one can perform. The Almighty bestows divine grace upon those who engage in such virtuous deeds.

No religion prohibits organ donation. They place great importance on compassion and charity, which are considered crucial virtues.

Organ donation has received widespread support from community leaders and saints of these religions. This sentiment is exemplified by the behavior of all ten Gurus, saints, prophets, and incarnations on this earth. 

Revered Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji emphasizes the significance of giving and prioritizing the needs of others over oneself, attaching great merit to selfless giving and sacrifice.

"Serving humans is akin to serving the Almighty!"

The greatest act of virtue is saving a life. With the inspiration of Revered Guruji, millions have taken pledges and even thousands have donated their eyes posthumously.

How Are Donated Eyes Utilized?

Eye donation is a profound act that extends far beyond merely restoring sight to the blind. 

Traditionally, each pair of donated eyes can potentially provide the gift of vision to two individuals. However, with advancements in medical science such as component surgery of the cornea, where specific layers of the cornea are transplanted for particular indications, the impact of eye donation has multiplied exponentially. 

Now, a single eye can contribute to the sight of up to five patients, resulting in a potential of ten sight-saving operations per pair of donated eyes. 

The magnitude of this impact is truly staggering, offering hope and transformation to countless lives.

Every donated eye plays a crucial role in this process. Those deemed medically suitable for corneal transplant are utilized for such surgeries, meticulously documented by eye banks. Meanwhile, eyes that may not meet the criteria for transplantation due to various reasons are not wasted. Instead, they become invaluable resources for medical research and education. 

These donated eyes offer medical professionals invaluable insights, paving the way for advancements in treatment and potentially unlocking solutions for previously deemed untreatable diseases.

By donating their eyes, individuals not only illuminate the darkened worlds of nearly ten people but also contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and the development of novel approaches. 

The impact is profound and far-reaching. It extends beyond immediate vision restoration to scientific progress and innovation.

Eye Donation Drive under Dera Sacha Sauda's International Eye Bank

The contribution of the Poojniya Mata Kartar Kaur Ji International Eye Bank of Dera Sacha Sauda stands as a shining example of the transformative power of eye donation. 

Through their efforts, countless individuals have regained their sight. They are experiencing the joy of seeing the world anew. 

Approximately 4451 eyes have been utilized to infuse light into lives. Their dedication underscores the immense potential of collective action in alleviating blindness and fostering hope.

Pledge to be an Eye Donor 

By choosing yourself to be an eye donor posthumously, you make a significant contribution to uplifting humanity. 

Your one active will help alleviate the burden of blindness in India and beyond. Blindness remains a significant global health challenge, with millions of people affected. 

It's time to shine a light on this critical issue. Follow the guidance of Revered Guruji and take meaningful steps towards a future where blindness is no longer a barrier to a full and healthy life.

Be an eye donor and take a pledge today!

FAQs

      1. Who can be an eye donor, and is there an age limit? 

Anyone of any age can be a donor. Eyes are precious, offering a new lease on life when transplanted in time. Donors can have any blood type, eye color, or vision level. Generally, the cause of death doesn't affect eligibility for donation, except in cases like hepatitis or HIV.

     2. What would happen to me in the afterlife if my eyes were donated after death in this world? 

In the next realm, only the soul transitions, while the body is either buried or cremated. 

So, even if you don't donate your eyes, they'll still be laid to rest or consumed by fire. Since they don't accompany you to the next world, why not donate them and illuminate another life emerging from darkness into light?

    3. When should one's eyes be donated after death? 

Ideally, within six hours of passing!

   4. How can I volunteer and pledge for eye donation? 

To pledge your eyes, simply fill out a form. You can find it online via the link given below. After filling, submit the form to the Dera Sacha Sauda premises. By following this straightforward process, you can pledge your eyes and enable someone to behold the world anew.

Register here- https://www.derasachasauda.org/dss-pledge-forms