Shri T. M. Krishna, famous Carnatic vocalist, and composer performed live in aid of Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital, Chennai at the Music Academy on September 2nd, 2023. The concert was also a historic occasion as the world-famous Carnatic musician was performing live at the Music Academy after a very long time. The proceeds from the Music for Charity concert is intended for the various community service programs as well to set up the new branch of Sankara Nethralaya (old Agasthya Theatre) at Tondiarpet.
The concert coincided with Sankara Nethralaya 45th Foundation day (06th September 2023). Shri T. M. Krishna’s music is often appraised as being soulful and full of ‘raga bhava’. The versatile singer, who is known for his social activism, gladly lent his voice to the noble cause of giving vision to the needy.
Inspired by a speech by Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt he attended in 1974, Dr. S. S. Badrinath founded Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai 06th September, 1978 with the sole objective of providing world class eye care, free to the poor and affordable price to others. Sankara Nethralaya (SN) is a not-for-profit charity organization providing ophthalmic (eye) care throughout India.
For the last four decades, SN has treated millions of patients. Nethralaya also holds eye camps, school screenings and eye bank. An urgent need was felt to establish a branch facility in Tondiapet to facilitate the under-served communities to the north of Chennai as the city is expanding at a faster rate than ever before.
The proposed facility will come up at the site of the iconic Agasthya Theater, which was demolished recently, and is set to become a new landmark in North Chennai. The historic Agasthya Theater was popular for screening the blockbusters of many yesteryear stars. Sankara Nethralaya and Agasthya Public Charitable Trust have joined hands to set up the proposed ophthalmic facility at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 crores. The facility will have a built up area of 40,000 sqft with a ground floor plus 2 floors. The entirety of this ophthalmic branch will spread over 1.25 acres. To accommodate the larger crowds, which are expected from further away than Gummudipoondi, the facilities will include sub specialties such as Cornea, Retina, Uvea, Oculoplasty, Glaucoma and Neuro Ophthalmology.
Dr. T. S. Surendran, Chairman, Dr. Girish Shiva Rao, President, Board Members of Sankara Nethralaya, attended the music concert. The Trustees of the Agasthya Trust, well-wishers of Sankara Nethralaya, and dignitaries graced the occasion with their presence.
Shri Sowmiya J. Narayanan represented SN USA Board of Trustees who were instrumental in bringing together this historic institution and the world- famous vocalist for an unforgettable evening.
The planned ophthalmic facility is located at New No. 231 & 232, Thiruvottiyur High Road, Tondiarpet – 600 081.
Please visit www.SankaraNethralayaUSA.org for more details and donate generously to restore the vision of poor patients.
