Khejri [Prosopis cineraria], a keystone species in Rajasthan, is vital for the Thar Desert’s ecosystem. This resilient tree withstands extreme heat, arid seasons, and cold winters, thriving where others can’t. Every part of the tree, from root to pod, is useful. Khejadi pods serve as vegetables, and in famine times, even its bark was consumed. The tree produces high-quality charcoal. Thus, it’s a veritable “tree of life” for the inhabitants of the Great Indian Thar Desert.

It is therefore natural for many villages in Rajasthan to be named in honour of this sacred tree. One such village is the village of Khejariali, 47 kiloneters east of Jodhpur. It was here that we were invited to organize a free eye camp on February 11, 2025. Our team which included overseas volunteer Dr Joseph Keenan, examined and treated 184 patients on-site. We brought 21 patients with cataract to our base hospital and operated them free of charge the same evening. Here are some photos from the camp.