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Project Prakash Foundation receives $2.8M RIST grant
The funding will help the foundation expand its research on childhood blindness to include deafness as well.
The five newest members of the Prakash Family, treated for congenital blindness in November, 2024. / Project Prakash Foundation
The Project Prakash Foundation, founded by Indian-American scientist and professor, Pawan Sinha has received a $2.8 million grant from the Rural India Supporting Trust (RIST).
The grant aims to expand Project Prakash’s work in treating childhood blindness and advancing scientific research on brain development and include childhood deafness.
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Founded two decades ago, Project Prakash integrates medical intervention with scientific research, providing treatment for children with congenital blindness in India while studying brain plasticity. The new funding will help expand its mission across five states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.
“We are thrilled that RIST has chosen to support and amplify Project Prakash’s dual mission of service and science,” said Sinha, professor, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “This grant will enable us to scale our efforts to address curable childhood blindness and, leveraging our expertise in vision, embark on critical research into deafness, impacting countless young lives in rural India.”
RIST, which supports initiatives addressing healthcare, education, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability in India, emphasized the significance of the partnership. “We are proud to support Project Prakash’s scientific and evidence-based approach to treating childhood blindness in underserved and vulnerable populations,” says Paul Glick, executive director, RIST. “Through our partnership, we hope to enhance both the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in India.”
The project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for good health and well-being, as well as inclusive education. The grant period runs from March 1, 2025, to February 29, 2028.
“This is a game changer for Prakash”, says Deepti Nijhawan, executive director, Prakash. “We are excited about expanding the number of children we serve and are immensely grateful to RIST for their generous support that will enable this effort”.
RIST has worked since 2007 to improve healthcare, education, disability inclusion, and environmental sustainability in India. The organization collaborates with partners to provide accessible and affordable services to vulnerable communities.
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