Tiruchi’s eye hospital celebrates Founder’s Day, golden jubilee

Past and present students of Rehabilitation Centre for Blind Women (RCBW) and well-wishers commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of ophthalmologist and philanthropist Joseph Gnanadhickam, and the institution’s golden jubilee on Monday.

Established on July 14, 1975 by Dr. Gnanadhickam (founder of Joseph Eye Hospital), the centre is devoted to training visually-impaired women in the 18-35 age group for professional work.

In his address, A. Kaliyamurthy, former Superintendent of Police, urged visually challenged women to strive hard and discover their unique talents in order to uplift society. K. Radhabai, former professor and head, Department of History, Government Arts College for Women, Pudukottai, and an alumna of RCBW, delivered an audio-visual presentation highlighting its achievements over the years.

Ms. Radhabai credited RCBW with helping her to become the first visually impaired PhD scholar in South India.

“Thanks to the numerous vocational and technical skills imparted by RCBW and the support given to us to pursue higher education, visually challenged women have been able to make meaningful contribution to society as professionals and entrepreneurs, rather than remain as mere beneficiaries of welfare schemes,” she said.

P. Balasubramanian, chairman, Thriveni Earthmovers, Salem, released a souvenir on the occasion, that was received by R. Athinarayanan, retired District Electrical Inspector.

AR Savarimuthu, chairman, Mother Teresa Foundation, Thanjavur, distributed mementos to the volunteers.