Around 250 Participants Walk Blindfolded, Guided by Visually

Impaired Children, to Promote Solidarity and Eye Donation

Prayagraj, 9 Oct (HS): On the occasion of World Sight Day

2026, Nazareth Hospital and Divya Jyoti Niketan, Prayagraj, jointly organised a

meaningful Blind Walk on Friday, 9 October 2026, to create awareness, foster

empathy and promote solidarity with persons with visual impairments. The

programme was organised under the inspiring theme, Walk with Empathy, See

with the Heart.

The Blind Walk commenced at 4:00 p.m. from St. Joseph's

College, Prayagraj, and concluded at the premises of the School of Nursing,

Nazareth Hospital. Rev. Fr. Isidore D'Souza, Administrator of Nazareth

Hospital, introduced the purpose and significance of the Blind Walk. Addressing

the gathering, he emphasised that the initiative was intended not merely to

experience the challenges faced by visually impaired persons but also to

develop a deeper understanding of their lives, recognise their abilities and

express genuine solidarity with them.

He highlighted three important messages: understanding and

showing solidarity with visually impaired persons, reaching out to the blind

with compassion and practical support, and pledging to donate one's eyes after

death so that others may receive the precious gift of sight. He encouraged

everyone to become ambassadors of eye donation and contribute towards building

a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Bishop Louis Mascarenhas prayed over and blessed the entire

gathering before they ventured out for the blind walk. He cut the ribbon and

flagged off the procession. He blind folded himself and participated in the

blind walk which was truly encouraging for all present in the event.

Around 250 participants, including priests, religious

sisters, doctors, nursing students, hospital staff, and citizens of prayagraj,

participated enthusiastically in the Blind Walk. In a particularly moving

experience, the participants walked blindfolded while being guided by visually

impaired children from Divya Jyoti Niketan.

The initiative offered a powerful reversal of roles, as

those who ordinarily depend on others for assistance confidently guided sighted

participants along the route. The experience highlighted the remarkable

abilities, confidence and independence of visually impaired children while

helping participants appreciate the challenges encountered by persons living

without sight.

The walk concluded at the School of Nursing premises,

Nazareth Hospital, where participants gathered for a solemn Oath to

Donate Eyes for a Better India. They pledged to donate their eyes after

death, spread awareness about eye donation and encourage others to embrace this

noble cause. The Blind Walk concluded with a renewed commitment to the message:

Together for Awareness, Inclusion and Hope.

The dignitaries participated in the Blind Walk included Most

Rev. Louis Mascarnhas, Bishop of Allahabad, Fr. Vipin D'Souza, Director

Nazareth Hospital, Fr. Walter D'Silva principal SJC, Fr. Eugene Mascarenhas,

Dr. Omer Hasan, Dr. Quaratul Ann, Dr. Asra, Sr. Shahida, C. K. Pathak, Abbas

Naqvi, Sr. Preema, Sr. Jyotika, Sr. Alice, Sr. Asha, Sr. Anjli and Sr.

Angelina.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi