The Golden Hues Of Independence
What does freedom look like to a farmer who once lived in darkness? To Harendra, it came in the golden shimmer of ripened rice fields he thought he would never see again.
Do you see the rice field over there?
Harendra asked, beaming.
That golden hue—how I missed it! It means the crops are ready for harvest.
We walked through the very fields where Harendra once toiled, fields he could barely recognize as his eyesight faded. Only days ago, he stumbled within the walls of his own home.
Today, with renewed vision, he led us with confidence — pointing out each crop, reclaiming the life he thought he had lost.
The sky was overcast that afternoon, hinting at rain. But to Harendra, even the grey clouds looked beautiful.
What a beautiful day!
he exclaimed.
Gloom had lost its meaning. The darkness that once clouded his world had lifted.
Harendra’s Life
Harendra Ray, 56, is a farmer from Musepur village in Bihar. His modest brick home is shared with his wife Reeta Devi and their children.
After working hard and marrying off their three sons and a daughter, Harendra looked forward to quiet days on his farm, tending animals and working the land he loved.
For years, he worked under the sun tilling the land and sowing the crops. Farming was no longer just a means of income. It had long become his identity.
Darkness Creeps In
But around a year ago, his vision began to blur. At first, he dismissed it.
It’s just age,
he thought.
The cataract hadn’t fully taken hold yet, so he squinted and carried on. But gradually, the world started fading more and more.
Everyday tasks like feeding the cattle, walking to the market, even recognising familiar faces became increasingly difficult.
Eventually, Harendra had to give up his life’s passion – farming.
A Glimmer of Hope
That was when Reeta Devi and their sons stepped in to support him. Although he was moved by his family’s concern for him, losing his independence pushed Harendra into a feeling of helplessness.
He could no longer care for his family, or the land he so loved. In his own eyes, Harendra had become a burden.
Around that time was when his wife Reeta Devi heard about Akhand Jyoti’s free eye screenings and rushed home with the hopeful news.
She took her husband to a preliminary screening at one of the outreach camps, after which Harendra Ray was referred to a Vision Centre where he received further check-ups.
The optometrists at the Vision Centre carefully explained to him his ailment and referred him to the Centre of Excellence at Mastichak.
He was then taken to the hospital with the free transport service made available by Akhand Jyoti.
In just three days at Akhand Jyoti’s Centre of Excellence, Harendra underwent successful surgery. His sight returned—and with it, his spirit.
A Renewed Life
Now, every morning is a gift. Every blade of grass on his farm, every glance at his loved ones carries newfound joy.
Now with his vision restrored, Harendra Ray saw himself not just as a farmer but also as a survivor.
When we arrived in Musepur this time, he was already waiting at the door, eager to share his journey.
God sent you all,
he said.
But he sent back my vision first
