What was once a small quaint village close to Jodhpur has now been absorbed by the ever-expanding city. This is Jhalamand, now perched on the southern fringe of Jodhpur. Named after the illustrious Jhala Rajputs who settled here in the mid-1800s, their legacy still echoes through the impressive Jhalamand Garh. Now a splendid hotel, this fort stands as a proud testament to the village’s rich history and heritage.

We had the pleasure of being invited there by the Kucheria family to hold a free eye camp for the people living and serving in that area. Thus, on February 6, 2025, we organized the camp. Despite a modest turnout of 14 patients in the OPD, we ensured each one received thorough care on-site. Among them, three patients were diagnosed with cataracts and significantly impaired vision. True to our commitment, they were operated on free of charge that very same evening, each receiving an artificial lens implant, gratis.

The experience was a poignant reminder that every effort counts, no matter the scale, and our dedication to restoring vision continues to shine brightly.

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.