Our Bureau
Woodbridge, NJ
More than 250 guests gathered on the evening of April 26, 2026, at Royal Albert’s Palace, Crystal Hall in New Jersey for a remarkable gala dedicated to supporting the SGML Eye Hospital near Ujjain, India. The event brought together an inspiring community of philanthropists, community leaders, and supporters united in their commitment to advancing equitable eye care. Organized by SGML Eye Hospital USA, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in New Jersey, the evening focused on strengthening access to quality vision services for rural and underserved populations through its partner hospital in Ujjain, helping prevent avoidable blindness and restore sight to those most in need.
The evening welcomed community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates united by a shared mission to combat preventable blindness. Through a compelling program and generous contributions, the gala successfully raised $50,000. These funds will directly support critical initiatives aimed at restoring vision and preventing blindness among those with limited access to medical care. The event stood as a powerful reflection of collective compassion and a deep commitment to improving lives.
Since its inauguration in January 2023, SGML Eye Hospital has emerged as a vital healthcare institution in the region, performing more than 2,000 eye surgeries and providing over 20,000 outpatient consultations. Many of these services are offered at minimal or no cost to patients facing financial hardship. Despite this progress, the need remains urgent. The region requires an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 eye surgeries annually, yet only 20,000 to 30,000 are currently performed, leaving a significant gap that the hospital aims to address through expanded services and modern infrastructure.
The gala featured a vibrant cultural program that added energy and celebration to the evening’s purpose. The event opened with a graceful Ganesh Vandana by Nitya Rhythm Dance Academy, led by Nisha Parikh, earning enthusiastic applause. Musical performances by Sanjay Shah, Priti Kandlur, Lipika Jena, and Dr. Tushar Patel of STR Entertainment – (Sanjay, Tushar, Rupen) accompanied by a live band, captivated the audience with a blend of timeless classics and contemporary favorites. Award-winning artist and philanthropist Medha Atre-Kulkarni also contributed to the cause through a silent auction of her watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings.
In his welcome and keynote address, Dr. Tushar Patel, President of SGML Eye Hospital USA, emphasized that the evening represented more than a gathering—it was a call to compassion and purposeful action. He highlighted the pressing need in rural Madhya Pradesh, where many individuals continue to live with blindness or partial vision loss due to limited access to cataract surgeries. He shared the vision behind SGML Eye Hospital, established under the guidance of Shastri Anandjivandasji, and acknowledged the dedication of trustees, founders, and supporters. He encouraged attendees to contribute meaningfully toward restoring sight and hope, underscoring that even small acts of generosity can transform lives.
Several key contributors were recognized for their dedication to the organization’s mission. Members of the SGML Associate Trust, along with co-founders and long-standing supporters from across the United States and India, were acknowledged for their instrumental role in advancing the hospital’s humanitarian efforts. Members of the SGML Associate Trust, including Dr. Sparshil Patel, Smita (Miki) Patel, Usha Patel, Jatin Patel, Chhaya Patel, Arpita Patel, Jigna Patel, Dharmesh Patel, Dr. Sunil Parikh, Harry Shah, and Dr. Rajesh Thaker were recognized along with co-founders Mr. Ramesh Patel (California), Dr. Supen Patel (South Carolina), Kamlesh Bhatt (Ujjain, India), and Gita & Sadgun Amin (South Carolina), whose continued support has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s humanitarian efforts.
The evening was skillfully hosted by media personality Sanjiv Pandya, whose engaging presence and dynamic emceeing energized the audience and inspired generous participation. SGML Eye Hospital USA, Inc. extends sincere gratitude to all donors, sponsors, volunteers, and media partners whose support made the event a resounding success. Their contributions will play a crucial role in expanding life-changing eye care services for patients in need.
