Taste, Touch & Triumph: A Celebration of Inclusion on World Braille Day

Taste, Touch & Triumph: A Celebration of Inclusion on World Braille Day

January 4th, 2025, was a sunny and happy day in Varanasi. The Young Indians (Yi) Varanasi chapter welcomed incredible children to celebrate World Braille Day. This celebration, titled Taste, Touch & Triumph, was facilitated by Sakshi Peshwani, the Chapter Vertical Head for Accessibility. It was more than a celebration—it was about making the world a more welcoming place for all, step by step.

An Experience to Remember
Imagine walking into a restaurant, feeling a menu with your hands, and being able to read and order your own meal for the very first time. For many of the children from Andhvidyalay, a visually impaired children's school, this was a moment of newfound independence. With braille menus, they ordered their meals confidently, relishing the food and the sense of empowerment that came with it.

Laughter, Learning, and Winning Moments
The celebration wasn't all about eating—it involved games, fun activities, and friendship. The vibe was high, and everyone felt delighted as five lucky winners walked away with special prizes. But the true prize was even greater—a sense of being included, celebrated, and seen.

Honouring the Legacy of Sir Louis Braille
World Braille Day celebrates Sir Louis Braille, the man who developed a touch language. His innovation transformed lives and opened new avenues for millions of people. This celebration was not just to acknowledge a date—it was to continue his work of building equal opportunities and breaking barriers.

A Ripple Effect of Change,

The event left a lasting legacy:

• 50 blind children felt included.
• Yi members and volunteers worked tirelessly to make it happen.
• Restaurants committed to providing braille menus for long-term access.
• The local community gained new insights, inspiring other businesses to be inclusive.

A Future Where Inclusion is the Norm
This celebration was only a small step in a bigger journey. The National Climate Change Chair attended the event, showing the link between access and wider social change.

Yi Varanasi's initiative reminds us that real change starts with small, powerful steps. When communities unite, barriers fall, and new possibilities arise.

Here's to a future where everyone belongs, where access is a norm, and where every person, whatever their ability, can live with respect and independence.