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February 3, 2025
Braille-Enabled Indian Constitution Launched by Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, in Collaboration with Sankara Eye Hospital Bengaluru and CII Young Indians Bengaluru
The Indian Constitution, a document that unites over a billion people in shared principles, just became more accessible than ever before. In a landmark effort to bridge gaps in inclusivity, Sankara Eye Hospital Bengaluru and CII Young Indians (Yi) Bengaluru unveiled a Braille-enabled version of the Indian Constitution. Graced by the presence of Thawar Chand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, the launch underscores a defining moment in the country’s journey toward empowering its visually impaired citizens.
A Vision for Inclusivity
For millions of blind and low-vision individuals, accessing fundamental civic knowledge has long been a challenge. This new Braille version of the Constitution aims to change that narrative. Instead of depending on third parties to read and interpret civic texts, visually impaired readers can now independently explore their rights, responsibilities, and freedoms as Indian citizens.
“Young Indians believes that, as young leaders, we must ensure every visually impaired person has the tools to be independent,” says Mr. Darshan Mutha, National Chair of Accessibility at CII Young Indians. “This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and create a more accessible world for all.”
Sankara Eye Hospital’s Ongoing Commitment
Sankara Eye Hospital, known for its extensive work in vision rehabilitation, has once again demonstrated its commitment to ensuring healthcare and essential resources reach those who need them the most.
“This launch marks a monumental shift in ensuring that visually impaired citizens are fully equipped to understand and engage with their rights,” explains Dr. Kaushik Murali, President of Medical Administration, Quality & Education at Sankara Eye Foundation India. “The Braille version will be distributed to key institutions, ensuring wider access for those who need it most.”
Fostering Independence
Many of the hospital’s beneficiaries have already reclaimed significant parts of their daily lives through orientation mobility training and assistive technology. Yet, the ability to read vital documents independently remains a game-changer.
“We have encountered countless visually impaired individuals who show remarkable resilience,” says Ms. Anita, Head of Vision Rehabilitation at Sankara Eye Hospital Bengaluru. “Partnering with CII Young Indians to make the Constitution available in Braille not only fosters independence but also affirms that inclusivity is everyone’s responsibility.”
About Sankara Eye Foundation
Founded in 1977 by Dr. R.V. Ramani and Dr. Radha Ramani, Sankara Eye Foundation India has grown from a humble primary health care center into a social enterprise operating 13 super-specialty eye care hospitals across multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. With a mission to serve the underprivileged, the Foundation advances eye care through various initiatives, cutting-edge research, and training programs, transforming national eye health structures one community at a time.
Bengaluru, February 1, 2025
