Blitz Bureau
IN a powerful and intergenerational dialogue held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, Dr VK Raju, Founder- President of the Eye Foundation of America (EFA) and global champion for children’s eye health, met with a spirited group of Rotaractors and Interactors committed to carrying forward his mission of a “world without childhood blindness”.
The gathering brought together emerging youth leaders from Rotary’s youth wings—Rotaract and Interact— who are actively driving change in their communities through health and development initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The key participants included Rotaractor Saacchi Saxena, President, Rotaract Club of World Without Childhood Blindness & EFA Youth Ambassador; Rotaractor-Rotarian Poorvi Sahai, EFA Ambassador and mentor; Interactor Sabyaa Saxena, Immediate Past President, SDG Community Interact Club & EFA Young Ambassador; Interactor Kaashvi, Current President, SDG Community Interact Club and Interactors Ruhaan and Apal, student volunteers involved in schoolbased vision screening campaigns.
The discussion centred on scaling the mission of eliminating childhood blindness globally, with emphasis on grassroots engagement, school-based awareness, community screening, and technology-led innovation. Dr Raju shared insights from his global work, especially how Rotary Fellowships can play a transformative role in building a global network of youth-led vision health initiatives.
Some of the highlights of the meeting were launch of “Vision Ambassador Chapters” in schools and colleges; plans for a Global EFA Youth Fellowship to train and mentor young leaders in eye care and public health advocacy; introduction of the ‘’SeeTheFuture campaign, a youth-led social media and awareness drive and an agreement to host a ‘Global Vision Summit’ on January 31, 2027 at New York to align with the proposed International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness.
Dr Raju praised the youth for their passion and leadership, stating, “You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today. If we equip our youth with empathy, purpose, and tools—there is no mission too big, no blindness too deep.”
The event concluded with a symbolic Charter of Commitments, outlining the future course of action and partnerships between Rotary youth clubs, the Eye Foundation of America, and local vision care partners. This initiative marks a significant step in institutionalising youth leadership in the global movement for eye health equity and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the right to see the world clearly.
