Dehradun, June 3 (FN Agency) The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan) is showing a new ray of hope to visually impaired persons from across the country. Teaching them skills is not just to survive but also to make sure that the visually challenged can pursue their passion and hobbies, the Institute has become a pioneer in bringing visually handicapped persons into the mainstream. Major Pravin Kumar, a trained army doctor, is a case in point. Alumni of Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Kumar lost his eyesight in an accident in 2022, near Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Kumar, who loved to play football, was depressed and lost hope of returning to what is proverbially called a ‘normal life’.
“I met with an accident and lost my vision. That time, life was very difficult for me to live as normal. I was very upset about my situation but since I have joined TCAB and got a motive to lead my life positively,” said Major Kumar. But, what he did not know that a whole new opportunity was waiting for him at the Training Centre for the Adult Blind (TCAB) of NIEPVD. Major Kumar learnt lots of new skills, including Braille, which have allowed him, reclaim his life. “I got motivation here and learnt braille language in Hindi and English and computer skill,” said Kumar. “In TCAM, we provide three months of vocational training for lately blind persons.
Visually challenged persons get orientation and mobility, basic computer skills, home management and counseling sessions,” Laxmi Pokhriyal, Supervisor Vocational Training told UNI. Major Kumar is not the only one but several others like Deepak Kumar Singhla, Police Kumar, Tapas Kumar Das and Swati Baukhandi, who got training from this institute are successful in their life. “In a bid to motivate and make successful in their lives those persons who become lately blind, our institute provides several skills to deal with daily life challenges and do their day to day work easily,” Manish Verma, Director, National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan) told UNI.