Lucknow: Ten-year-old Prakriti Chandra's friends watch cartoon channels or play with dolls in their spare time. She works to sensitise people so that they pledge to donate their eyes after death.

Prakriti, a Class 6 student in the City Montessori School here, has already convinced around 28,000 people to donate their eyes after death.

"Sensitising masses towards eye donation is our social responsibility...It's not for the adults only as children too can shoulder this responsibility, provided they take it as a social mission," Prakriti solemnly told IANS.

"Mine is a small initiative. If students of schools across Uttar Pradesh support me, I am confident we will be able to bring a big positive change in society," she added.

Asked what prompted her to work for this particular cause, Prakriti replied: "Nearly four years ago, I had gone to visit one of my friends, Shivam, in a blind school. At that time, I asked my father to get Shivam treated. To this, my father replied that Shivam's treatment was possible only through eye donation.

"It was that day I made the firm determination to convince maximum number of people to donate their eyes after they died."

Prakriti's parents -- both physiotherapists by profession -- assist their daughter in her campaign.

"Their (parents) moral support is the driving force behind my campaign. They help me get in touch with NGOs, social activists and other organisations working for eye donation," she said.

"It's owing to their strong support I have managed to convince nearly 28,000 people in various districts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to donate their eyes after death. All of them have applied for eye donation."

The determined girl has already decided she will choose a profession that helps her serve people. "I don't say I will become a social activist, but surely I will choose a profession that will enable me to serve the needy."

Recently, Uttar Pradesh Governor B.L. Joshi lauded Prakriti's efforts after meeting her. "He (governor) encouraged me a lot and promised to guide me in my social campaign whenever I need guidance," she said.