Sightsavers completes 50 years in India, spl cover released

New Delhi, Aug 30 (PTI) Marking its journey of 50 years inIndia, the postal department today released a special coverfor a global charity which has conducted five million eyesurgeries to cure blindness and restore eyesight in thecountry over this period. Sightsavers is a UK-based international charity whichfights avoidable blindness and promotes equal opportunitiesfor visually-impaired people. The special cover was released at the Golden JubileeFunction of the NGO held at the India International Centrehere. "It was only because of its advocacy that India becamefirst ever country to have the National Programme for Controlof Blindness (NPCB)," Secretary of Ministry of Tribal AffairsShyam S Agarwal said. "The organisation, among other places is present inRajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Odisha, part ofJharkhand which are largely tribal areas. "Tribes in India are centred in two parts, one north-eastand the other central. Central (India) constitutes about 60 to70 per cent of the tribal population. The works of Sightsaverhas benefited the tribal section of the society most," hesaid. On behalf of Jual Oram, the Union Minister of TribalAffairs, who could not attend the function, Agarwal said theministry of tribal affairs promotes alliance with NGOs forthe benefits of the tribals. Started by John Wilson, it came to India in 1966. Theorganisation is present in several states serving around 100districts in the country. It has conducted five millionsurgeries to cure blindness in the country, according toSightsavers. PTI NKS KNDKUN