In a significant development for the education of visually impaired students, Odisha is set to establish the country’s first university exclusively for blind students. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by blind students in regular educational institutions. The university will offer a range of educational and technical courses tailored to meet the needs of visually impaired students.
A Milestone for Blind Students in India
India has a large population of visually impaired individuals, with over 50 lakh blind people across the country. In Odisha alone, there are more than 5.21 lakh visually impaired individuals, including around 2 lakh young people. Recognizing the need for specialized education, the state has decided to create this dedicated university, which will provide blind students with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Named After Bhima Bhoi
The new university will be named after Bhima Bhoi, a renowned blind poet and social reformer from the 19th century. The decision to honor Bhima Bhoi reflects the university’s mission to empower blind students and provide them with opportunities for higher education and vocational training.
Meeting Educational and Training Needs
Sanyasi Behera, the visually impaired Deputy Secretary of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department (SSEPD), emphasized the importance of a specialized university to cater to the educational and training needs of blind students. He revealed that discussions with officials from Tsukuba University in Japan, which specializes in education for the blind, have taken place. Behera also mentioned that a proposal for the university will soon be submitted to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Advanced Facilities for Students
The planned university will offer residential facilities, ensuring that students from different parts of India and abroad can easily access education. The campus will include an advanced digital lab, enabling students to engage with the latest technology. Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary of SSEPD, stated that the university will provide education from class IX onwards, and will include vocational courses such as acupuncture and physiotherapy, alongside policy research.
Understanding Acupuncture and Physiotherapy
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been used for thousands of years for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, focuses on improving physical movement and reducing pain. It involves physical interventions to enhance the quality of life for patients. Both courses will be part of the vocational training offered at the new university, providing blind students with valuable skills for future careers.
The establishment of this special university in Odisha marks a major step forward in the education and empowerment of blind students in India. By offering specialized courses and advanced facilities, the university aims to create an inclusive environment where visually impaired students can thrive academically and professionally. This initiative not only addresses the current educational gap but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in supporting students with disabilities.
