Blogs, Education

Odisha to Establish India’s First University for the Blind

Odisha is set to make history with the construction of India’s first university dedicated to blind students. Named after the revered 19th-century blind poet and social reformer Bhima Bhoi, this pioneering institution will offer a range of educational and technical courses specifically tailored to meet the needs of visually impaired students. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience, from secondary schooling to specialized vocational training, for blind students across India and beyond.

Portrait of 19th century blind poet and social reformer - Bhima Bhoi, with a halo-like headdress, dressed in a robe, set against a blue background.

With over 50 lakh blind people in India, including 5.21 lakh in Odisha alone, the state’s initiative comes as a response to the significant demand for accessible higher education and technical training for the blind community. Sanyasai Behera, the blind Deputy Secretary of the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), emphasized the importance of this university in addressing the unique educational and training needs of blind students.

The university will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including residential accommodations and an advanced digital lab, designed to foster an inclusive learning environment. The campus will also house technical schools of excellence, offering vocational courses such as acupuncture and physiotherapy, along with policy research programs. The institution aims to cater to students from Class IX onward, welcoming both Indian and international students.

The project has garnered international interest, with a delegation from Japan’s University of Tsukuba, renowned for its programs for the blind, visiting SSEPD officials to discuss potential collaborations. Following the meeting, Sanyasai Behera announced plans to submit a formal proposal to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in a blue shirt and garlanded with flowers speaks into a microphone at an indoor event. Another person stands in the background.

SSEPD Principal Secretary Bishnupada Sethi expressed optimism about the project, stating, “We are planning to set up a campus that will not only provide education but also empower blind students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead independent and fulfilling lives.”

As plans for the Bhima Bhoi University for the Blind take shape, Odisha is poised to set a new standard for inclusive education in India, ensuring that visually impaired students have access to the same opportunities for learning and growth as their sighted peers.

(Note: India accounts for around 20% of the global blind population. Project Eyeway is an initiative by Score Foundation that acts as a one-stop knowledge resource for those people who are living their lives with blindness. Eyeway operates a national toll-free Helpdesk — 1800 53 20469.)

Leave A Comment

Your Comment
All comments are held for moderation.