Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well.
I am happy to share my recent blog with you. This is my first experience writing a blog, and I have learned so much from this community. I wanted to share it with you first and would love to receive your valuable suggestions and feedback. Looking forward to improving and learning more. Last month, I had the privilege of visiting Chennai and meeting an old friend of mine, who is 100% visually impaired. He is my former classmate from Azim Premji University (APU) and currently working in one of the leading disability organisation in Chennai. During our time together, we explored the city and even visited the Government Museum of Chennai. It was an insightful and eye-opening experience. While exploring the museum, I realized how challenging it can be for a visually impaired person to access visual artifacts. Most of the paintings were enclosed under glass, making it difficult for my friend to understand them through touch or feel. However, we approached several statues, and I began explaining the details to him. When he started touching the statue to feel its form, a security officer interrupted us, citing the rule against touching exhibits. After I explained the situation and the importance of tactile engagement for visually impaired individuals, the officer graciously allowed us to continue and then he also joined me. It was heartwarming to see my friend’s excitement as he explored the sculptures through touch, and he continuously asked questions, engaging deeply with the exhibits. This experience made me reflect on the power of tactile perception for visually impaired individuals. As Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched they must be felt with the heart." My friend's joy and curiosity reminded me that accessibility is not merely a convenience but a fundamental right that enriches experiences for all. Another memorable incident occurred when students from our organization, Deepstambh Foundation, visited a nearby gaushala (cowshed) which also housed a small museum. At the entrance stood a statue of Lord Krishna. Our visually impaired students were eager to feel the sculpture, carefully tracing Krishna’s face, eyes, nose, lips, and the flute in his hands. They even touched the cow statue beside him. I observed the contentment and happiness on their faces as they connected with these forms through touch. It was a poignant moment that highlighted the importance of making art and artifacts accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. One of our students, who had never engaged with such tactile exhibits, shared afterward, "When I touched the face of Krishna, I felt like I was seeing him for the first time." This powerful statement reinforced the idea that true understanding goes beyond sight it requires a deeper connection. A third significant encounter happened at the lluminate event organized by Bajaj’s CSR initiative, where I had the opportunity to interact with a deaf-blind person for the first time. I had always been curious about how people with dual sensory impairments communicate, and this event provided me with a deeper understanding of tactile sign language. The use of touch to convey meaning was a revelation for me. It was truly inspiring to witness how touch, a sense often taken for granted, becomes a language of its own, enabling complex interactions. These experiences were echoed during our inclusive mobility training sessions for visually impaired students. As part of the training, I facilitated the formation of inclusive volunteer groups where a visually impaired student, a student with locomotor disabilities, and a hearing-impaired student worked together. Despite initial challenges, within two days, the visually impaired students learned to communicate basic English alphabets using sign language. By the third day, they were able to use the newly acquired skill to introduce themselves confidently. The progress was astonishing and underscored the adaptability and resilience of individuals with disabilities when given the right support and opportunities. Another impactful experience was in our organization’s Learning Laboratory. We have various educational materials in tactile form, allowing students to reinforce their understanding through touch. After theoretical lectures, our educators emphasize using these tactile resources. I have observed firsthand how quickly the students grasp concepts when they can physically interact with the materials. This multi-sensory learning approach has proven to be immensely effective, demonstrating that hands-on experiences can be a powerful tool for education. All these incidents have deepened my understanding of the unique ways in which visually impaired individuals perceive the world. As Jose Feliciano, a celebrated blind musician, once said, "I see with my heart. I can hear the shape of things. I have learned to sense the unseen and turn it into my strength." This quote encapsulates the essence of my experiences. when one sense is absent, the others are heightened, allowing visually impaired individuals to experience the world in extraordinary ways. >From these encounters, I’ve come to appreciate that visually impaired individuals, despite their lack of sight, often possess heightened senses of touch, smell, and hearing. They navigate and engage with the world around them through these senses, which become their primary means of perception and communication. It’s a powerful reminder that accessibility and inclusion are not just about removing physical barriers but also about recognizing and supporting the diverse ways people experience the world. In conclusion, I believe that our efforts to create inclusive spaces whether in museums, educational institutions, or everyday environments must go beyond mere compliance. It’s about fostering an atmosphere of empathy and understanding. When we make these spaces accessible we open up opportunities for deeper engagement, learning, and joy. As we strive towards a more inclusive society, let’s remember the words of George Shearing, a renowned blind jazz pianist: “Everything I have done, I have done out of a blind belief in my abilities, never allowing what I lacked to overshadow what I had.” Thank for reading Rudresh Sanjay Patil (Project manager for PWD and Orphan) Deepstambh Manobal Foundation -- Disclaimer: 1. 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