World Braille Day: Reading the World Through Touch
217th Birth Anniversary of Louis Braille celebrated at Home for the Blind
Ferozepur, January 4, 2025: The 217th birth anniversary of Louis Braille (Jan 4, 1809- Jan 6, 1852), the inventor of the Braille script, was observed with reverence and enthusiasm at the Home for the Blind here on Saturday. Visually impaired students marked the occasion by garlanding the statue of Louis Braille, paying floral tributes to the visionary, followed by singing, whose invention transformed the lives of millions across the world.
World Braille Day, observed every year on January 4, underscores the importance of accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunities for visually impaired persons. Students were also informed about modern advancements such as refreshable Braille displays and Braille-compatible digital devices.
As part of the programme, Sukhpal Singh, a BA final-year student who is also going to pursuing a law degree, read out a chapter on the sacrifices of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai using Braille, highlighting the role of the script in higher education and intellectual empowerment of the visually impaired. Deepak Sharma, member of the management committee, read out a brief history of Louis Braille and explained the significance of his six-dot system in modern education and communication.
The speakers recalled that Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, in Coupvray, France, and lost his eyesight at a very young age following an accident. Despite this, his determination led to the development of the Braille system, a simple yet powerful method of reading and writing using raised dots, which today serves as a fundamental means of communication and a human right for the blind.
Ramesh Sethi, Manager, Home for the Blind, congratulated the students for their achievements, noting that over 30 former students of the institution have secured government jobs. He appealed to the public to extend support to the institution to help provide better care and facilities for the visually impaired.
The programme concluded with a message of hope, perseverance and gratitude towards Louis Braille, whose legacy continues to illuminate countless lives. Ladoos and tea were served among students as part of the celebrations.