dear pratheek,
in your article you mentioned about the low percentage of computer literacy
andfinancial backwardness of visually impaired in india. i feel that you
forgot to state one thing: what stands in the way of use of computers among
VI in india is the exorbitant cost of the softwares. of course, there are
ever so many softwares available to empower the VI. but how many percentage
of indians can afford them? we have to pay again and again for each newer
version of the same softwware. these days software has become more
expensive than hardware.
it was inthis context and putting in mind the poor indian masses that i
wrote about Linux and free softwares some days back in this mailing list.
but strangely enough, no indian was found to have responded to it. are we,
the affluent minority among the indian VI not at all concerned about our
impoveerished brethren?
----- Original Message -----
From: "prateek aggarwal" <[email protected]>
To: "accessindia" <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:08 PM
Subject: [AI] an article to conceive about
folks, here is a must read article for all.
i'd like to know your thoughts on it.
It's assured that technologies have transformed the life of a
visually impaired pretty rapidly.
We blinds who were used to be called "soordas" have even started
governing mainstream.
a blind can now be found in almost every profession therefore, we have
successfully broke the stereotype.
Though it's a big milestone, but if one reviews the situation keeping
actual stats in the frunt, a very low percentage of our community
will be called developed in actual mean.
Still there're many adults students studying in primary classes.
Still there're many students struggling to be admit in higher college.
Even though they are competent, but their fault is that they are
blind.
Still there're students who may achieve a lot, but unable to do so
because of improper resources.
Still the condition of blind schools is terrible, and there are very
few where they focus on studies.
Still the level of English language is horrific in most of the VI folks.
Still the percentage of computer literates is in single digit.
Still there is no proper arrangement of books, specially for the hindi
medium people.
Still most of the folks rely on old tradition of cassette tapes.
Still it's a big trouble for blinds to seek readers.
Still most of the VIs don't think apart from being teacher.
Still it's hard to convince companies to keep a VI as a employ.
Still visually impaired people are offered less salary then there
colleagues.
Etc, etc, etc.
Actually, these are few of the many dilemmas which are still need to
overcome.
I am not at all saying that blinds are inept, but at a halt there is
something where we are lacking.
What are those things?
Is there someone who is creating obstructions in our way?
Is there someone who doesn't wants us to be developed?
Are we sure that we are trying level best from our side?
Are we making adequate efferts to overcome the problems?
Answer is no, and a resounding no.
Facts says that India has misfortune of having largest amount of
visually impaired, and whatever efferts we have made till now are no
more then a drop of ocean.
As a blind we offen censures the government, but is it fair to blame
anyone else for our own liability?
Indeed no.
We'll have to consider genuinely what we ourselves can do to empower
our condition.
If we consider the things hard, we will find the solutions just below
the arms. For example, if students are not taking interest in studies,
is it a fault of government?
If a teacher is not imparting proper education, is it a fault of
government?
There may be many such examples where we ourselves have to strive for
empowerment.
First, we will have to try to spread as much awareness about visually
impaired people as possible.
we will have to make the appropriate technologies which can enable
blind people to read hindi books,
We will have to make the accurate structure of blind schools and
organizations,
We will have to implement some strict rules for teachers,
We will have to gain awareness about government policies in or not in
our favor,
We will have to think apart from our comfort zones,
We will have to give something to society instead of just taking,
And lastly, We will have to develop self confidence.
In actual means, we can incriminate the government only and only
after passing the above criteria's.
It is said that god helps only those who helps themselves. Now it's
hard time to consider that are we helping ourselves?
If no, then when even god can not help you, how can you expect for
some help from government?
We have ability to perform all the above mentioned things, the only
equipment needed is a strong willpower.
So come, raise your arms, and let's make a trubblefree community!
regards,
prateek agarwal.
cell: 09928341197
skype:
prateek_agarwal32
e-mail:
[email protected]
website:
http://www.prateekagarwal.webs.com
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