Asha Kamath and Pratibha Sengupta, have defined 'peace' differently. They found 'peace' in the uplift of visually challenged children. Ravi Fruitful evening phase of life
After retirement, majority of the people prefer a peaceful life. Some take rest at home, while some go on pilgrimage. But two sisters of Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra, Asha Kamath and Pratibha Sengupta, have defined 'peace' differently. They found 'peace' in the uplift of visually challenged children. By starting a residential school for such children in a remote village they are busy in discovering their hidden talents and making them self-reliant in all respects.
Pramod Kumar
Lakhs of people retire every year in government sector alone. Majority of them prefer to live a peaceful life. Some take rest at home, while some go on pilgrimage. But there are people who define the 'peace' in their own way. Quitting the lavish lifestyle full of luxuries in Mumbai and Pune, Asha Kamath and Pratibha Sengupta marched on the red-soiled track of Konkan to set an example for the retired people. They both are retired teachers and are now engaged in discovering and shaping the hidden talent of visually challenged children in a highly remote village, Gharadi, under Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Their efforts have changed the meaning of life for such children.
With 7.8 million visually challenged people, India accounts for 20 per cent of 39 million blind population across the globe, of which 62 per cent are on account of cataract, 19.7 per cent refractive error, 5.8 per cent glaucoma and 1 per cent corneal blindness.
With a strong desire in the heart to work for visually challenged children, Aashatai and Pratibhatai chose a backward village of Maharashtra, where even the parents of visually impaired children do not want to care for them. However, there were already various schools in Konkan, but none was exclusively for visually challenged. Life of such children was trapped either in the cage of too much love or too much hatred at home. Their life was dependent upon others. Education was just a daydream.
These two sisters played an angel's role in their life. Due to their initiative, today these children can study, their fingers move on keyboards of computers to enjoy the music of life and they have become brave enough to cross the crests and troughs of life. Although they cannot percept through eyes, their sense of touch is very active. They can read and write through Brail language. Pratibhatai herself prepared over 70 books in Brail script. Now under her guidance these students are also producing such books.
With an initial strength of four, the school was opened in the year 2003. Initially, the school functioned in the house of these sisters. Later, with the better economic support from various organisations and donors, the school building was constructed in 2007. A total of 34 students are studying at present under the guidance of five teachers. Classes are conducted up to VII standard. This year the classes up to 9th standard will begin. The school begins with prayer. After the initial study session, the children go to library and read various books written in Brail. After the afternoon tea, sports activities are held. Blindness does not become a hurdle in the enhancement of their sports skills. In the evening, they study sincerely and after studies they enjoy music. Their musical skills are very sharp and hence a special attention is paid to rectify them through proper and timely guidance. Most of them are good performers. Vocational training is also provided for manufacturing show pieces, incense sticks, etc. Computer training is also given. The school also boasts of an orchestra team. more on the story click on the link below.
http://www.organiser.org/Encyc/2013/6/8/Fruitful-evening-phase-of-life.aspx?NB=&lang=4&m1=&m2=&p1=&p2=&p3=&p4=&PageType=N
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