Every July in Mathania – a proud township just over 32 km north of Jodhpur – residents gather in remembrance of Setha Ram, a 22-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in the 1997 riots. In his honor, the community organizes an annual free eye camp, channeling grief into hope and care.
Mathania, once famed globally for its fiery red chili peppers, now grapples with a water table that has receded over 1500 feet. With agriculture waning, a new wave of small-scale manufacturing is emerging, fueled by the undiminished spirit of its people.

On 7 July 2025, our nonprofit team joined hands with local leader Mr. Daga, who spearheaded publicity and arranged transport. We treated 401 patients and selected 26 individuals for free cataract surgery. These patients were transported to our base hospital in Jodhpur and successfully operated – restoring sight and dignity. We had the privilege to operate on martyr Setha Ram’s uncle who is pictured in image 3.

This initiative not only honored a martyr’s memory but also advanced our mission to reduce avoidable blindness in the underserved communities of the Thar Desert.

Learn more or support our cause: TarabaiEyecare.org