Srinagar: On World Blind Day, which was Wednesday observed at Sri Pratap College here in Srinagar, no government official visited the venue to participate in the event organized by Jammu and Kashmir Welfare Association for Blind.
Members of the Association were disappointed as nobody from government including Divisional Commissioner Kashmir bothered to visit the venue.
“We had invited various officials including Divisional Commissioner and Director of School Education but did not bother to attend the event,” the Association said.
We were promised a monthly stipend but that has been stopped since long, said Yasir Nabi, a blind student from Pulwama.
Being visually impaired, Im unable to pay for my studies, Aaqib, another blind student from Bandipora said.
He dismissed the government claims of helping blinds in Kashmir Aaqib. Im dependent on my family for all my requirements, he said. We wouldnt suffer had the government provided us some facilities.
Rafiq Ahmad, a parent of 7-year-old boy from Hawal Srinagar, said that his only son is visually impaired he is not able to read or write. I couldnt find any school where I could get my son admitted, he said. Only Delhi Public School, Athwajan, came to our rescue by hiring a Braille teacher.
Rafiq wondered why the government couldnt afford to build a Braille school in Kashmir?
The event was supposed to demonstrate how visually impaired can pick up various skills including those computer-related. We want to spread computer literacy among the visually impaired and encourage our students to be independent and believe in themselves, the association said. (PTK)
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
