Sixty-four kilometers north of Jodhpur, nestled amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert and traversed by National Highway 62, lies the quiet village of Birai. With a population of approximately 1,700, this quaint village thrives on farming and cattle rearing, embodying the resilient spirit of Rajasthan. On March 8, 2025, at the kind invitation of the Bharat Sewa Sansthan, we had the privilege of organizing a free eye camp in this remote yet vibrant corner of the desert.

Our arrival was met with a heartwarming and regal welcome. The rhythmic clatter of traditional drums called “dhols” and the vibrant clash of cymbals heralded our presence, as villagers adorned us with garlands and offered traditional turbans—a mark of their deep respect and hospitality. With this grand reception, we commenced our mission-driven clinic.

The day unfolded into a bustling flurry of activity. By late afternoon, our dedicated team had examined and treated 556 patients, addressing a myriad of eye ailments that had hindered their daily lives. Among them, 46 individuals diagnosed with cataracts were carefully transported to our base hospital via bus, where they received complimentary cataract surgeries, including intra-ocular lens implantation—restoring not just their vision, but their hope and independence.

The accompanying photographs capture the essence of this incredible endeavor: the unyielding dedication of our team, the unspoken gratitude etched on the faces of those we served, and the transformative power of accessible, quality eye care. This camp was a testament to our shared vision of eradicating avoidable blindness and illuminating lives across the Thar Desert’s arid expanse.

To learn more about our non-profit work and to support us, please visit our website : www.TarabaiEyecare.org