Alongside the flag of India, on our 76th Repulic Day, the flag of Vision-Aid and Rotary are also flying high in Andhra Pradesh this weekend.
1400+ delegates from over 90 Rotary Clubs across the state of Andhra Pradesh gathered for a mega Rotary state-wide conference called “Vaibhavam”. The guests included leading Rotarians from AP, India and Abroad, as well as several key ministers and dignitaries from AP. This is a two – day conference in the town of Vijayanagaram. Vision-Aid was featured as the key service project for Rotary for the event. Vision-Aid India, led by volunteer Vice President and long time Rotarian Shri. Avasarala Srinivas, ably supported by our volunteer Executive Director, VLN and team members from Vision-Aid Vizag, along with dozens of Rotary Volunteers, have been working tirelessly for many weeks towards this event.
The event featured a large booth showcasing Vision-Aid’s work, and in the opening ceremony a short film (link below) was played for the appreciative gathering of delegates followed by an inspiring key note by Mr. Srinivas who exhorted all Rotarians to support the cause of Vision-Aid.
A key highlight was around 75 visually impaired individuals from under privileged backgrounds were transported to the event by Rotary volunteers from several surrounding rural areas, and received the latest versions of our AI powered Smart Vision Glasses along with training on how to use them to become more independent. This life-changing moment was touching for all delegates to witness.
At the event, Rotary made a generous donation of Rs. 6 Lakhs for the next phase, (this will be matched by Vision-Aid’s matching grant for Rotary in India. Rotary leadership also promised to look for ways to continue supporting the cause in other ways in future.
Since the event, dozens of Rotary clubs across the state, many from rural areas far from big towns and cities, have been calling asking about how to get connected and involved with Vision-Aid and even the state government representatives expressed keen interest in collaborating to scale the reach and impact of our programs in AP. Our team is working on all the leads.
Overall, this was one of the largest gatherings in India in recent times showcasing Vision-Aid and it put us on a whole new level in AP, spreading the brand name in a very tangible way across the entire state and also across Rotary in India and abroad.
Our deep gratitude to Mr. Srinivas, all the dedicated volunteers of Vision-Aid and Rotary Clubs, for their dedication and support.
