By Varun Thakral ,IXC, Scindia School , The Fort, Gwalior :A few days before the winter vacations, Ma’am Raksha Siriah took the boys of Kanerkhed house to visit the blind home. Before going there, I had a notion that the blind home would be a place full of dismay and despair, but after reaching there and meeting the visually impaired people I felt happy to see their optimism and zest for life. All of us appreciated the fact that they enjoy their life despite this infirmity and try to lead as normal a life as any of us.
Madhav Andh Ashram was situated in a remote area. The visually disabled people who lived there showed us their living area and the study room. They also showed how they study by using the Braille script. As they can not see, they need some other medium to make their work easier. Therefore Ma’am Raksha Siriah regularly involves students in recording cassettes for these children. It is a thoughtful gesture so this time when Ma’am made this offer to me I immediately agreed. I consider myself fortunate to get an opportunity to do this for them.As I recorded that cassette, I was satisfied that my hard work would not go waste and would be of immense benefit to somebody who really needed it. I worked tirelessly and soon it was done. The style of recording the cassette was tedious and tiring but it had several benefits for the blind people as they could now understand their lessons easily.
I am grateful to God that he granted me eyes to enjoy the beauty and the charm of nature. I was touched by their way of living and admired that inspite of not having the gift of sight they never cribbed or complained. Instead they make the most of every opportunity and have learnt to enjoy the beauty of nature through other senses. Blindness has not been a barrier to their enjoying a happy, healthy and productive life style.
This has been one of the most satisfying and fulfilling experiences of my life. I shall always remember the visit to the blind home and how I helped those who are not as fortunate as us.