The trainees undergoing computer training stepped into the world of sound meditation, a one-of-a-kind meditation that focuses on auditory sensations and vibrations. The sound waves created using the gongs and bowls, as a trainee said, felt “magical”. Their minds and bodies flowed with the soothing sounds of ocean and water, leading them into a state of blissful relaxation. The workshop was organized by Mrs. Ishita and her daughter Samaira Banga on 1 July.
An Opportunity in All India Radio
In its special program run for the benefit of the visually impaired 'Hausle', All India Radio aired three interviews with members of the Blind Relief Association, Delhi - Shri K C Pande, Executive Secretary; Shri Kamalbir Singh Jaggi, Head - Academia, Research & Planning, and Priyanka; and Sushma, a charming and bubbly sister duo taking Multi-Skill Training. In their respective programs broadcasted in July, Shri Pande and Shri Kamalbir spoke about the organization and the services provided while the sisters sang and shared their experiences at the Association.
Visitors from Reliance Jio
The Blind Relief Association was pleased to receive visitors from Reliance Jio. The team comprising Mr. Kapil Ahuja, CEO; Mr. Suraj Saha, Regional Sales Head for North India Reliance Jio, and others visited on 6 July and met with the officials of the Association. They also interacted with the computer trainees and expressed their willingness to help in the area of employment.
US Army Band
The United States Army Japan Band hosted by the US Embassy, India performed jazz music for the JPM School students and vocational trainees of the Blind Relief Association at the American Centre in New Delhi on 8 July 2023. Later the band members also interacted and played with the students and trainees.
Some Drumming!
Thanks to the team of Delhi Drum Circles who visited the Blind Relief Association on 22 July for a fun and lively afternoon. It was a joy to see our students, trainees, and staff enjoying the music, and pride to witness the trainees play with the team.
Delhi Drum Circles is a group where people from all walks of life come together to play drums, sing, dance, and have fun in an environment-friendly way.
Donation from Bank Officers
On 19 July - Bank Nationalisation Day, officers from the All India Bank Officers' Confederation - Delhi Unit visited the Blind Relief Association and met with the Association's team before touring the units. We thank the team for having donated bags, flasks, and T-shirts to the Association's trainees.
Donation for Massage Center
A big shoutout to Nails at Dalip for having donated parlor sofa chairs and trolley to the Association. They are now being used by our masseurs undertaking the six-month Relaxation Massage Training.
Celebrating 77th Independence Day
The 77th Indian Independence Day was celebrated at the Blind Relief Association on the morning of 14 August '23. Accompanied by the school band playing enthusiastically, the flag was hoisted by the chief guest Shri Sanjay Rai, General Secretary, Harijan Sevak Sangh. The gathering later witnessed cultural programs and patriotic speeches by the students and trainees of the Association performed in Gandhi Hall.
StoryHour's Audiobook Discussion
A discussion on the audiobook 'A Brief History of Indian Independence' produced by Storyhour and narrated by former students of the Blind Relief Association was held on 14 August 2023 in the Association's Conference Hall.
School students from JPM Senior Secondary School, Delhi Public School, and Salaam Baalak Trust were invited for the discussion with one of the authors of the book Ayur Pulle, translator Dr. Sharda Manocha, and the narrators Ankit Singh, former student of JPM School, and Rishika Rana, former B.Ed trainee, and Ms. Neelima Penumarthy, Producer - StoryHour UK. The students had intriguing questions for the author and narrators about history, their experiences, and new perspectives.
The Hindi audiobook was launched in the Gandhi Centenary Hall of the Association on 30 January 2023.
Training Program for Govt. School Teachers
Primary teachers with visual impairment who are working in the Govt. Schools of the Directorate of Education, Delhi underwent a 15-day training in August (2nd - 21st) organized by the Blind Relief Association, Delhi in collaboration with SCERT Delhi and the Department of Education, Delhi.
The training was the first of its kind held by the Department for assistant teachers/PRTs (regular and guest) with visual impairments to meet their needs and to cope with the problems faced in teaching primary children.
The training focused on strengthening teachers in ICT-related work, classroom management skills, improving academic work, handling day-to-day work in class, and school functioning. The training session included hands-on activities, demonstration, health interaction, and exposure visits to develop understanding and strengthen teachers to teach the children of primary school with or without disabilities.
The participants felt motivated, energetic, and happy. They expressed gratitude for this unique training and requested more such trainings in the future.
New Sawaru Nihongo Batch
A new batch of Sawaru Nihongo-Japanese Language commenced classes on 27 August with 14 new students and 8 old students. Gratitude to volunteers Varun, Himani, and Vrinda and the alumni of the Blind Relief Association - Ramdas, Deepak, and Ajay for conducting and coordinating the weekly classes held on Sundays.
