Surrey (Richa Walia): Friends for Cause Foundation (FFCF) is presenting The Joy of Siring, a community fundraising and awareness event supporting an ongoing initiative to provide free cataract surgeries and eyeglasses to people facing financial hardship in rural northern India.
The event is part of a broader effort led by Yogesh Kumar Bhatia, whose involvement in the cause began following the death of his younger brother, who was closely connected with the issue of cataract blindness.
Bhatia immigrated to Canada in 2010. A chemical engineer by profession, he worked as a water treatment consultant and RO plant designer. Following his brother’s death, he began researching cataract blindness in India and the barriers faced by people who cannot afford treatment.
The initiative gives priority to people with significant financial need. According to figures provided by the organizers, more than 5,000 people have received free cataract surgeries, while more than 30,000 have received eyeglasses through approximately 500 mega eye camps.
The camps are held primarily in rural areas across northern India, including communities along the corridor from Moga, Punjab, to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Bhatia spends approximately three months travelling through the region to reach communities and identify people requiring assistance.
Organizers report that approximately 1,637 people received free cataract surgery last year, with a target of approximately 2,100 surgeries this year.
Bhatia has also researched the broader economic impact of cataract treatment. Figures cited by the initiative estimate that cataract surgeries performed over one year could result in $123.4 billion in economic savings over 13 years, with a reported 4,567% financial return to society.
The Joy of Siring is designed to bring community members, sponsors and supporters together around this work. Organizers state that 100% of charitable funds collected will be used for the cause.
Hosted by Nutan Thakur and Rachna Arora, the event features Ganesh Vandana by Neil and Vansh, an introduction to FFCF, the founder’s address, sponsor recognitions and cheque presentations. The program also includes performances by Prakriti and Mani, Iqbal Sandhu featuring GPS, Le Plasir Dance Academy, Band Synthesis, PT Dance Academy and Karthik, followed by a mini-concert and dance floor.
The broader initiative, known as “The Gift of Sight,” aims to expand access to cataract treatment among communities that are often difficult to reach and unable to afford surgery. For Bhatia, the work has developed from a personal experience into a sustained effort to address avoidable vision loss. Friends for Cause Foundation is a CRA-registered charity. The Joy of Siring provides an opportunity for the community to learn about the initiative and contribute to its continuing work in India.
