The Netra Kumbh 2025, inaugurated on January 5, 2025, during the Maha Kumbh Mela—a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage event held every 12 years—aims to deliver exceptional eye care services to millions of pilgrims and local residents.
With over 12 million visually impaired individuals in India, many of whom suffer from preventable blindness due to a lack of awareness and resources, Netra Kumbh strives to bridge this critical gap. Through education, complementary treatments, and public awareness campaigns, the initiative addresses the root causes of visual impairment. From expert eye check-ups to treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision-related issues, Netra Kumbh ensures that quality eye care is accessible to all, giving everyone the opportunity to see the world clearly.
The ISKCON Mega Kitchen is pivotal in supporting the Netra Kumbh 2025 by serving wholesome prasadam—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—to over 500 doctors, medical professionals, and volunteers tirelessly working to restore vision and hope to thousands.
Renowned for its efficiency and devotion, the ISKCON Mega Kitchen with its base at Govardhan Eco Village, began in 2008, with its roots tracing back to 2002 when the growth of ISKCON and the increasing demands of yatras highlighted the need for a large-scale kitchen. Equipped with modern cooking systems, including cranes and large vessels, the Mega Kitchen is supporting Netra Kumbh 2025 by efficiently distributing prasadam and, at the same time, maintaining high standards of quality.
Gauranga Das with other spiritual leaders assembled at Netra Kumbh event.
Gauranga Das, ISKCON GBC for Strategic Planning Team and Director of Govardhan EcoVillage, expressed his honor and privilege to be part of the inauguration of the Netra Kumbh 2025. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of the organizers and the dedication of the medical professionals and volunteers involved. He said, “The senses constantly search for things, but in the absence of a festival, a person is unable to see this luminous world. Darshan Kumbh is an unparalleled example of service.”
Netra Kumbh has achieved significant milestones over the years. In 2019, over 200,000 benefited from the program, while in 2021, despite the challenges of the pandemic, tens of thousands received vital eye care. For 2025, the campaign has set an ambitious goal of performing over 50,000 free surgeries, further solidifying its place as a pioneering healthcare initiative. Dr. Krishna Gopal, who leads the Netra Kumbh, remarked, “Through Netra Kumbh, the darkness of blindness will be dispelled. Even those who are visually impaired will find the light.”
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-mega-kitchen-nourishing-netra-kumbh-2025-volunteers/
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