Her Highness Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi and Sightsavers Join Forces to Organize Benefit Concert and Raise Money for the Visually Impaired

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 28, Sightsavers (http://www.sightsaversindia.in/) organized a world-class concert and fundraising event for the visually impaired in India's most populous city, Mumbai. "Ability of Disability—A Night of Melody" featured performances by some of the country's most celebrated recording artists, as well as several visually impaired musicians and dancers. HH Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi, member of the royal family of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, provided hands-on planning and leadership for this unique event. More information on the night's festivities is available here: http://www.sightsaversindia.in/about_us/news_and_events/events/19710.html.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130812/PH62040-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130812/PH62040-b)

A representative from the organizing committee confirmed the upcoming event and said, "The musical event is organized by Princess Arwa Al Qassimi and the proceeds will help Sightsavers in its mission to eradicate avoidable blindness and provide equal opportunities for people with visual impairments."

The mission of Sightsavers is to rid the developing world of avoidable blindness, which accounts for about 80 percent of all cases of vision loss. Proceeds raised during "Ability of Disability" went directly to the charity, helping to support its approach of education, prevention, healthcare and rehabilitation. In India, Sightsavers has a presence in 17 rural, desert or tsunami-affected states, touching the lives of millions of poor residents. As a great supporter of philanthropic activities around the world, Her Highness Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi was pleased to lend her support in getting the event off the ground.

More than 550 guests attended "Ability of Disability." Among the luminaries in attendance were the Consulate General of the UAE Mohammed Yusuf M Al Awadhi and Dr. Garimella Subramanian, a respected editor from The Hindu. Elizabeth Kurian and R. N. Mohanty represented the Sightsavers organization.

Celebrity artists Abhijeet Sawant of Indian Idol fame, Hamid Khan and Sangeeta all performed to great fanfare. Sawant publicly announced that he intended to become eye donor, a show of solidarity that may encourage others to register as organ donors. To underscore the purpose of the concert, two of the backup musicians for the singers were visually impaired: Kiran Vinhur on flute and Sachin Gavikar on percussion.

Famous recording artists were not the only source of applause. UDAAN, a 6-member dance troupe of visually impaired boys and girls, performed a complicated ethnic Indian dance as the audience looked on in astonishment. Organizers of the night's activities hoped to show that disabled individuals are equally capable of making meaningful and beautiful contributions to society.

By every measure, "Ability of Disability" was a rousing success, and Sightsavers hopes to build on this positive momentum. Donations to the charity have been on the rise for the past few weeks, and the local press in Mumbai, particularly the Bombay Times, was highly supportive of the event. Over and above those in attendance, the concert generated publicity that helped Sightsavers communicate with millions of people throughout India and the world.

In addition to individual donors, Sightsavers received generous and much-appreciated support from Bright Outdoors, Red FM and Hindu Business Line, one of the nation's most highly regarded newspapers.

The noble work of Sightsavers is never done, and the organization always welcomes contributions such as that of HH Sheikha Arwa Al Qassimi to its mission of ending avoidable blindness.  

About Sightsavers

Sightsavers is a leading global development agency working in over 30 countries to combat blindness, restore sight and work for the rights and needs of those with irreversible visual impairment.

Sightsavers' work in India, which started in 1966, has supported the treatment of millions of persons with eye disorders and brought eye services to some of the least served areas of the country.

In addition, many thousands of irreversibly blind people have received rehabilitation and educational support to enable them to lead lives of independence and dignity.

Contact:
Name Jatin Tiwari
Phone: +91 22 28820808
Email

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SOURCE Sightsavers