Observance of Blind Welfare Fortnight and Louis Braille Remembrance
The Observance of Blind Welfare Fortnight and Louis Braille Remembrance along with an awareness class was jointly organized by the Kerala Federation of the Blind (KFB), Eranad Taluk Unit, and the NSS Unit of Manjeri Unity Women’s College. The program was held at the college auditorium with the objective of promoting the welfare of the visually impaired and creating awareness to integrate them into the mainstream of society.
The function began with a welcome address by Dr. Hikmathulla, former NSS Programme Officer and Head of the Department of Malayalam at the college. He spoke about the significance of the program and highlighted the profound social impact such collective initiatives can create.
The program was presided over by Shri Chekkutty K.K., President of KFB Eranad Taluk, who elaborated on the aims of the organization and its various activities.
The formal inauguration was carried out by the respected College Principal, Prof. Dr. Muhammed Basheer Ummathoor. In his inaugural address, he spoke about the college’s social engagements and the positive changes they bring about. He emphasized the importance of including persons with disabilities and highlighted the powerful message such programs convey to society.
Following the inaugural session, the Louis Braille Remembrance lecture was delivered by Shri Sudheer M., President of KFB Malappuram District. He paid tribute to the life of the great visionary Louis Braille, who illuminated the world of knowledge for the visually impaired, and recalled the revolutionary significance of the Braille script he gifted to the world. NSS volunteers Fidhaha and Faheema extended their felicitations during the event.
As part of the program, an exhibition of Braille devices was also organized. Various technologies and tools used by the visually impaired for reading and writing were introduced to the students. Shri Shaji P., Secretary of KFB Eranad Taluk, delivered the vote of thanks. He spoke about the evolution of writing and the transformative impact of the Braille script on the lives of the visually impaired. He also expressed gratitude to the college management and the NSS unit for their cooperation.
This was followed by an awareness class on the topic “The Visually Impaired and Society”, led by Shri Murshid Papinippara, Vice President of KFB Eranad Taluk. He elaborated on the challenges faced by visually impaired persons in society, the considerations they deserve, and their rights.
Feedback and Conclusion
The session received excellent responses from both students and teachers. The students expressed that the program greatly helped them understand the need to include visually impaired individuals not with sympathy, but as equals. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by NSS volunteer Fidhaha.
