Messages

Dr V and Aravind have touched and changed so many lives in so many different ways, and if we didn’t know this before the film, very early on in the journey the wonderful notes we received from people would make clear to us how very special this story was, and how blessed we were to be given the chance to tell it on behalf of so many people...

Here are some of the inspiring messages that reached us along the way:

Thank you so much for the wonderful update. The core is so honest and pure so the rest must just follow that lead. I am so excited by your progress. Love to You
- Christine (Friend of Aravind, New York)

Thank you for the update. This is truly wonderful.
Yes Dr V is unquestionably a great man. The incredible thing is he is also a simple man, a simple man who asks a simple question, over and over and over again. This is also how the Grand Canyon was carved, one drop at a time. I first thought that the question was how do we eliminate needless blindness in the world, but I've come to recognize now that the question is really how do we elevate the fellow who is living in such poverty with such little hope and self respect to his rightful place in the world? India has such a rich and wise heritage--it should be remembered. Dr V is reminding the world of what compassionate service looks like, what karma yoga is-by giving that fellow in need another chance. Thank you for sharing his story.
Many blessings to you and this wonderful project which is the real Infinite Justice.
- Susy Stewart (Friend of Aravind, California)

"I had it all once I gave it back" -Vedder/Young
I just wanted to wish you all the best on your project.
I must say your mail was certainly inspirationa! :-)
- Jaideep (journalist, Chennai)

Is there anything I can do to help?
Peace
- Larry Brilliant (Founding Member Seva, California)

I am very thrilled with all of this - it is exactly the only way this could have happened. Please tell Meg I remember the day we went with Fred to talk with students who had been to Aravind and she was stuck with videotaping the whole thing. Little did she know that she was being prepared for this! I love you all and am behind you all the way. Would a cash contribution help? What is the best way to send it? xxoxoxoxo - Sandy (friend, Arizona)

It sounds as though you are embarking on an incredible journey. Dr.V's story certainly needs to be told ... your intelligence, spirit, vision, creativity and determination will be critical in ensuring this project unfolds beautifully. Good luck and I look forward to hearing how it all unfolds!
-Nicole ( Ex- Aravind volunteer, Vancouver)

a warmed heart.
lovely shivers down the spine.
a huge smile.
misty eyes.
thanks for sharing this.
i could not agree more. it will be so wonderful. telling the story. learning the story. how many lives will be deeply touched. unimaginable. give my love to everyone.
- Suzan ( friend of Aravind, Turkey)

It felt wonderful to read about the documentary that you are making about Dr. V and the hospital.. :) I could sense the enthusiasm with which work on this is being done and I am so positive that this is going to be one great piece! All the very best on your assignment.. :)
- Laavanya (computer professional, Atlanta)

Congratulations and all my good wishes to you as you undertake your film about Dr. V. I'm confident that your passion will make it a wonderful film, I look forward to following your progress, and if any useful ideas come to me I'll be sure to pass them on. All the best to you and your team.
- David Heiden (ophthalmologist and photographer, California)

How wonderful to hear that you are taking this on. I am sure it will be a grand success and congratulate you for your ambition. Please let me know if I can help in any way at all. Did I tell you that I am now doing an internship with a documentary filmmaker? She is really wonderful and I am learning alot. If you would like for her to view and evaluate your first cut please let me know. I am sure she would do it as a favor. She has wonderful instincts and has been making films for 30 years. She is a spiritual person, and has won an Emmy award and been nominated for an Oscar.
- Barbara Cromarty (Marketing consultant and aspiring filmmaker, Santa Barbara)

Thanks for sharing with your work. I am sure the three of you together will do wonders to this flim. Keep sending us the updates if and when time permits. Goodluck.
-Chitra Karnani (family member, North Carolina)

If there is any way I can help - graphics, carpentry :), you name it, let me know.
:) - John (Graphics Designer, Carpenter, Good-ripples-sender-outer,California)

Man, i am joining you in this standing up. In spirit. And hopefully in person. 4th year, less than two years from now i am making my pilgimage to Madurai...you hit the core. Very inspirational
look forward to the updates
- Sri (medical student, New York)

i love that this is working out for you and i hope that,all though there will be a plethora of unforseen problems while you work to finish by your deadline, god and the goodness of people will open avenues even when doors slam shut in your faces.
i dont make very much money, but sometimes i am able to put some away. i would like to contribute to your project the only way i can. is there some address or sumthing i can send a draft to?
all my prayers for you and the team
-Arpita (Travel agent, Dubai)

beutiful i say...tooo much da. thanks for letting me watch and feel like a small part of this masterpeice.
- Shikha (Student, London))

This is so thrilling! Can just feel the excitement. finally! Wish there was some way I could've pitched in, but hey, it's all coming together and how...keep me updated, will you?
- Amu (Journalist, Delhi)

THREE CHEERS!!!! I understand the documentary is fantastic, and you met your goal to finish on the 25th. What another wonderful tribute to Janake. You've worked so hard and you've done it with joy. Bless you. We so look forward to seeing it.
- Mary and Fred (Friends of Aravind, Michigan)

Reviews

Thank you very much for your kind letter. I am very happy to receive a CD on the life and work of the living legend Dr G Venkataswamy. We are all moved by the film. I am requesting Dr Bhanumathy to screen it for the benefit of all our staff and scholars in our Foundation, so that everyone will get inspired by the message of his life. I look forward to meeting you soon. Meanwhile, kindly convey my very warm regards and best wishes for the New Year to Dr Venkataswamy, whom I hold in very great esteem and admiration.
With warm personal regards, - M S Swaminathan (UNESCO Cousteau Chair in Ecotechnology, Chairman MSSRF India)

What a beautiful film, I just loved every minute and feel you have put this inspiring story together so well. The beginning and scene setting grab the viewer's interest, then we are led into this clever juxtaposition of old and new footage, which brought back so many memories. The interviews to camera are just the right length and so well edited. You also have chosen an excellent "cast", with, of course Doctor V as the star of stars. The music is memorable and, again, blends in just at the right times, leaving me wanting to see it over and over again. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. We shall show it to many friends, but the film deserves a world stage. We congratulate all who worked to create it and wish you well with it. Best wishes
- Claire Hicks (daughter of Sir John Wilson and Founder,IMPACT UK)

It truly was a pleasure to meet both of you and to see your wonderful film in process. You captured something of your thatha's amazing spirit, which shines through your film. You are creating something very special which will have the potential to benefit any one who sees it. The work is blessed. Please do not hesitate to get in touch, whenever you would like. Best wishes, Vannakkam.
- Mickey Lemle (filmmaker, New York)

I just saw the documentary on Dr. V this past Sunday and just wanted to say that it is absolutely AMAZING! It's such an inspiring piece about what one person can do. Along with a hundred other folks, I was blown away by his story and by how beautifully it's been captured on tape. It was touching on so many different levels. So I just wanted to say a big congratulations to your team for working so hard on this. You did a great job. It is absolutely perfect and thanks for sharing it with all of us.
- Guri Grewal (CharityFocus volunteer)

I just returned from Aravind two days ago after two weeks volunteering at LAICO. I love the team and the work of this extraordinary organization. Pavi and her team did a fantastic job capturing the history and spirit of Dr. V and the work that Aravind does in eradicating needless blindness in the world. I am inspired to dedicate the rest of my career life helping this organization and others who are doing such wonderful world changing work. When Pavi sat me in front of her computer to view this documentary, I did not know what to expect. When it was over, I was crying. The film still has that impact on me. What a moving story. Seva Foundation directed me to Aravind to volunteer after I asked to find an opportunity in India close to the Telangana where my daughter was born. I want her to know and embrace her proud heritage. My experience has shown me that the people from which Kinnera comes, are indeed proud and beautiful people. I am truly blessed to have worked and developed friendships that will last a lifetime. I took 15 roles of film during my ten-year in Madurai. I will be putting a presentation of photos together based on my work and experience in Madurai and combine this with the documentary to introduce groups in Oregon to this extraordinary organization and its work. Once I put my presentation together, I would be glad to share it with anyone who is interested. All are welcome to contact me as well if interested in Aravind and my experience as a volunteer. God bless you Pavi and the rest of the team for this beautiful documentary.

Your friend
with Love
John Inman, Ed.M.
Organizational Development and Training
USA
jinman@wetherhaven.com