Sightsavers has been working in India since 1966, and this year celebrates 45 years of positive change having supported around four million cataract surgeries during this period. However despite progress and continued fundraising the following statistics still need to be challenged: iIn the developing world, up to 60% of children die within two years of going blind; every minute, somewhere in the world a child goes blind and there are 15 million blind people in India, 400,000 of whom are children.

Poonam Chengappa, Senior Manager of Brand and Communications at Sightsavers in India and one of the judges for the competition said of the entries: "We were absolutely delighted with the entries. People put a lot of thought into their selection and it was lovely to see everyone getting involved and voting for their favourites! It was a tough decision to make, but Sukhmanjit is a worthy winner. The framing in this photograph is great. The light and shadows, all of it give the picture a warm glow. Sightsavers will be very proud to print our very first Diwali card with this image."

Sukhmanjit commented on winning: " ´´When I found out that my photograph was selected as the overall winner, everything around me froze! I couldn't stop smiling as it felt great to have my work recognised and appreciated. Diwali is an important festival in the Sikh and Hindu Calendar and is synonymous with lights. We can often take the lights and colours of the festival for granted. It is tragic that those without sight cannot see the beauty of the festival.. The most important aspect of the photo for me, was capturing the light of the diva in contrast to the shadows in the photograph. Hence the caption of the photograph, that we only know and understand what light is because we experience darkness. Diwali is more than just being able to light candles with our family and friends, it is about lighting the candles in each and every one of us and sharing even a glimmer of light with all those around us."

Three runners up were also selected and will be receiving a pair of Polaroid Sunglasses each:

• Vinod Motiani from Oxford
• Abhisek Bhattacharya from London, E14
• Kishan Panchal from Waltham Abbey

Abhisek Bhattacharya from London, E14 submitted this image taken at Diwali in Trafalgar Square

Kishan Panchal from Waltham Abbey - Ganesh

Vinod Motiani from Oxford submitted this photo of a rangoli design

Sightsavers is a registered UK charity (Registered charity numbers 207544 and SC038110) that works in more than 30 developing countries to prevent blindness, restore sight and advocate for social inclusion and equal rights for people who are blind and visually impaired. The winning images for the Sightsavers Diwali Photo Competition can be seen by visiting www.sightsavers.org/diwali

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