As an eye care institution founded on the noble principle of ‘Service to Mankind,’ and with the avowed objective of eradicating blindness from the face of the earth and bringing in the light of vision and joy into the face of the visually impaired, Sankara Nethralaya values only one thing perhaps even more than dispensing quality eye care - the wholehearted support and constant encouragement! that it has received in its pursuit from great and noble individuals. These compassionate and noble people shared its ideals and identified with its philosophy, helped in fulfilling its dreams, they cheered the institution in its long run and ran along with it as it crossed impressive milestones and celebrated its achievements as their own. While Sankara Nethralaya was the dream of a young idealist doctor with a passion to serve the underprivileged, driven by the words of a Seer and Saint, the dream became a reality thanks to the unconditional support and encouragement he received from these great individuals, generous and passionate men and women who subscribed to his views and empathized with his cause. Support from them came in the form of monetary assistance, guidance through sage counsel, creating awareness and winning support from like-minded individuals and volunteering their assistance in its various endeavours.

Sankara Nethralaya continues to receive such valuable support for its noble cause with the blessings of the Almighty to this day, while the noble gestures of its well wishers are selfless and come with no strings attached, a highly moved and grateful institution decided that such acts of sacrifice and charity should not go unrecognized and deserve the highest honours. The Sankara Ratna and the Shrimathi M.S.Subbulakshmi awards were instituted as a high recognition of individuals who have contributed to the success and glory of the instution.

The Sankara Ratna Award was instituted in the year 2002 – 2003, the Silver Jubilee year of Sankara Nethralaya, it was instituted to recognize and honour an individual or an institution for its/their strong empathy towards its cause and sterling contribution to its growth and success. The award is a salutation to those individuals or institutions that have been a source of inspiration, encouragement, support and guidance to Sankara Nethralaya in its mission.

The award has been conferred on an annual basis since 2002-03 on individuals from a diverse background. An independent selection committee finalizes the selection of the awardee, employees of Sankara Nethralaya and members of the board are however not eligible for consideration for the award.

The Smt.M.S.Subbulakshmi Award was instituted in the year 2013 to commemorate Sankara Nethralaya’s 35th year of service, to recognize individuals who exhibited an undying spirit in serving the institution and supporting its service initiatives. This award is named in honour of a musical legend, a family friend of the Badrinaths and great supporter of Sankara Nethralaya and its philosophy who gave melody a divine and service interpretation, a “Voice for Vision” a virtuoso performer who raised huge funds through her concerts in India and abroad and continues to raise significant funds for Sankara Nethralaya’s indigent eye care initiatives through her immortal voice, by bequeathing the royalty accruing to her records to the institution she admired and adored.

We take pleasure in sharing some glorious glimpses of the awards conferred so far.

Shri V. Shankar being conferred the Sankara Ratna by His Holiness Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal

Shri V.Shankar was awarded the Sankara Ratna award for his high degree of dedication to the cause of education and his identification to its philosophy, humility, compassion and readiness to support a noble cause.