Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 April 2025
In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting inclusive education and accessibility, the Department of Education, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the National Book Trust (NBT), conducted a special Braille book distribution drive at the ongoing Andaman Nicobar Book Fair in Sri Vijaya Puram on 7 April.
The event was graced by Swamy Omkaratmanandaji Maharaj of Ramakrishna Mission, Sri Vijaya Puram, and Mr. Vikram Singh, Director (Education), A&N Administration, both of whom emphasized the importance of accessible learning resources for all, particularly for visually impaired students.
Addressing the gathering, Director Vikram Singh highlighted the transformative impact of Braille books in empowering visually impaired learners. He commended NBT’s continued commitment to inclusive education and urged the organization to expand its support to meet the increasing demand for Braille materials across the Islands.
He also reaffirmed the Administration’s readiness to partner closely with NBT to further this cause. Swamy Omkaratmanandaji Maharaj, in his remarks, spoke on the spiritual and educational empowerment that inclusive access to knowledge can foster.
He lauded the initiative as a meaningful stride towards building a compassionate and enlightened society. A wide range of Braille books, including academic texts, children’s literature, and biographies, were distributed to visually impaired students, as well as schools and institutions dedicated to supporting visually impaired learners. The initiative received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community, educators, and students, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of “Books for All.”