In the historic city of Jalna, Maharashtra, Lions’ decades-long commitment to eye care now has a permanent address. For those who cannot afford cataract surgery, it can mean the difference between seeing the world—and slowly losing sight of it.
Lions Netralaya was built with exactly that person in mind. Established jointly by the Lions Clubs of Jalna, District 3234-H2, the facility was inaugurated by PID Aruna Oswal on March 1, 2026. District Governor Ashwin Kumar Bajoria officially declared the centre open. Present on the occasion were District Chairperson for New Permanent Projects Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, Lions of Jalna and community leaders.
Beyond the milestone, it was the feeling in the room that stood out. Addressing the gathering, PID Aruna Oswal said: “I have travelled across India and abroad. Anyone can donate money, but in Jalna people serve society not only with their wealth but also with their body and soul. I have not seen such a spirit of service anywhere else in the world.”
In his welcome address, Chairperson, Jalna Lions Hospital and Drushti Foundation Manohar Khalapure outlined the vision behind the Lions Netralaya. He added that the centre would offer eye check-ups at nominal charges, with cataract surgeries either free or heavily subsidized for those who cannot afford care. The trustees of the foundation, he assured, would remain committed to this mission well beyond the inauguration.
Jalna has long been a city that serves quietly. Lions Netralaya is simply the latest expression of that.
