Black Sides: Blind Walk

We were waiting for our guests at the main gate of the College. At first, he stepped out of the vehicle, a ten year old boy with his white cane. He was a bit nervous as it was a strange place. Then they came out of the vehicle one after the other; the students and teachers of the Louis Braille Memorial Model School for the Blind, Kudayathoor, along with their headmaster Mr. T. P. Premarajan.

They came for the seminar on “Specially Abled Persons: Their Life” held on 23.2.2017 in association with the National Science Day Celebrations. The event was sponsored by the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment and supported by the DST, Govt. of India.

Unsighted lead the sighted...

In the seminar, there was no conventional, formal inauguration ceremony which we are familiar with. There was no golden coloured traditional lamp (Nilavilakku) on the stage. Because our guests cannot see the beautiful, glittering golden colour of the lamp. They cannot see the gentle, radiant light emanating from the lighted lamp. Then what is the point in lighting a lamp?

But the seminar was inaugurated in a different way; by a Blind Walk. They walked from the main gate up to the seminar hall. The blind students and teachers walked in front. Our students and staff followed them.

OK. What is so special in this?

Yes, It is.

Because, our students and staff covered their eyes with blindfolds. Since they were unable to see, they were holding hands on the shoulders of the blind who are walking ahead and were just following them.

A few office staff (Ms. Saino, Ms. Sithara, Ms. Mony, Ms. Devaki) and teachers (Ms. Mayamol and Ms. Mariya) registered for the seminar. I thought that they just wanted to listen to the talks. I never expected that they would be ready to join the Blind Walk as it was risky. But I was extremely happy that they joined the Blind Walk and Dr. Leny Mathew and Ms. Santhamma helped them reaching the seminar hall.

Blind Walk; in their words...

Blind Walk was a touching and rare experience for the participants. A few of them shared their experiences with me.

The moment I covered my eyes I was afraid that I may fall.......

Now only we could realize how gifted we are.....

That time I didn’t have any other sorrows. I forgot all my worries and complaints. My biggest challenge was to reach the destination without falling....

I felt that nobody is my enemy. I had no hatred. Everyone around me was my friend and well wisher. They were all taking care of me. I never had this feeling earlier......

About the seminar

When they reached the seminar hall, Anju Krishnan, the College Union Chairman, welcomed the gathering. The chief guest Mr. T. P. Premarajan talked about specially abled persons in general and focused on the importance of eye donation. Dr. P. N. Joshi, Principal, UCET delivered the presidential address. Mr. C. J. Jose, Vice President, PTA, Ms. Mayamol, Lecturer in EEE and Amal Raj (CSE), expressed their views on the event. Sandhya, teacher from the LBMM school, sang a melodious song. Vishnu R. delivered the votes of thanks. Renuka Varma compered the programme.

The convener of the seminar was Dr. Geethamma V. G. The co-conveners were Dr. Leny Mathew, Ms. Jincy Joy and Ms. Veena Vijayan. Student managers were Vishnu R., Pranav K. P., Eldhose Chackochan, Akshaykumar P. A., Ashim and Renuka Varma.