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Newsletter
January 31, 2023

2022- NEW UPDATES

The official newsletter of Jyothirgamaya Foundation

Jyothirgamaya Foundation 2022- NEW UPDATES The official newsletter of Jyothirgamaya Foundation 2022- NEW UPDATES Since our last newsletter, we have been on a more interesting and innovative journey with a wide range of unique activities, including migration to our new premises! With all your care, support and blessings, Jyothirgamaya continues to climb higher and higher up the ladder of successs!
Our first batch of online classes was from Delhi and Bihar: They were taught basic and advanced computing with the help of zoom as well as Google meet platforms, and the screen reader friendly team viewer software remote NVDA.In another batch was running parallel to this, with three students from Kerala, who were also, taught the same skills. Second Online Training Batch: In the month of July, we started our second online training batch, with around ten students from Maharashtra boys blind school, Koregaon park Pune Here the students were taught about screen readers, various advanced and basic methods of access technology use, as well as communicative English Food kit Distribution In September, as part of Our Covid relief work, we distributed food kits to around 20 blind people, and their families around Trivandrum. We also distributed food kits, to our cleaning staff as well as some other physically challenged and old people in nearby villages about whom we had heard from our staff, as well as word of mouth. 20th Residential Batch In October, we started our residential empowerment training course with eight students from Kerala. We took a policy decision to conduct our empowerment residential training courses for six months each. The students were taught computers, smart phone use, and sound editing installation of software, interpersonal skills, English, Yoga and also music. Three trips were made for orientation mobility to nearby areas, and site seeing places such s the nearby Shangumugham beach and a river near to our
administrator’s house. We continue to have also some online sessions every week from our German volunteers on English communication. New Year 2022: The New Year greeted us with the same batch of students from the year 2021, and the students were taught computers, smart phone use, and sound editing installation of software, interpersonal skills, English, Yoga and also music. Nari Shakthi Puraskar: The month of March, our Founder received the Nari Shakthi Puraskar from the Honorable president of our country, which is a great honor for our organization. Kanyakumari Trip: In April, we conducted a tour for our students. This tour was to Kanyakumari. We took our students on intense mobility training to the various famous spots there, in order to give them a feel of the outside world. They visited the Padmanabha puram palace, and also the Vivekananda rock. They had an experience at the beach, and also were able t visit the nearby shops, and by some small things for their loved ones.
On our organization inaugural day, we had the closing of the course. The examinations were conducted, and we distributed certificates to the students, with a farewell lunch. 21st Residential Batch: In May, we started our new batch with eight students all from different parts of Kerala. They were taught all basic computer skills, orientation mobility, yoga and keyboard classes were also started. Highlights of Our Activities BSS Affiliation: The organization also entered in to a new partnership with BHARAT SEVAK SAMAJ (BSS) in order to get our certificates recognized by a government affiliated organization, in order to heighten the job possibility for our students. Dine In The Dark: In collaboration with Young Indians, a prominent organization operating all over the country, for the welfare of young entrepreneurs, and also for social change.
Sijo Louis the accessibility chair, of the young Indians Trivandrum chapter, initiated this collaboration with our organization. The program was conducted on global accessibility awareness day, which normally falls on the third Thursday of each May. Our students with utmost care were able to guide all guest in to the hall and describe to them what was on the table as food. The guests were CEO’s of prominent companies of the Techno Park. Our students had an opportunity to interact with them, share their experiences, and on the hole give them a glimpse highlights. Legislative Assembly Climate Change Program (Nambu): On account of World Environmental Day, the UNICEF India, along with the youth from all districts of Kerala conducted a program on climate change, under the banner ‘Nam’, meaning “sprout”. Our students were also able to play a vital role in this program. They actively participated in the technical sessions, which were moderated by eminent ministers, the speaker, as well as the UNICEF, social policy head of India.
One of our students Ms. Anusha Shaji, was the leader of her group and was given the opportunity to present her ideas on behalf of the group on stage in front of a large audience. This indeed is a huge milestone in Jyothirgamaya, as well as in the life of the student. International Yoga Day: In the month of June, Our Jyothirgamaya students celebrated “International Yoga Day”. This was under the leadership of our Yoga teacher Sunitha from Trivandrum Yoga Association. Our students performed Yoga in various poses and this occasion was celebrated. Sanadhalayam Visit: Our administrator and students visited Sanadhalayam, an organization working
for the welfare of cancer patients started by the famous Radio Jockeys MJ sumi and Firoz. Leisure Trips: Our students were taken on two enjoyable leisure trips, by one of donors Mr. Ravinanda from Delhi. We visited Kanyakumari the southernmost tip of India. Our students had an opportunity to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. The next day we also visited the famous Jatayu Para, a famous rock climbing place. The students had an experience and feel of the cable car. Women With Wings: On August 13th our organization conducted a one day women workshop for 25 blind women. The women were taken through a wide range of experiences. Sessions were taken in sexual and reproductive health and menstrual hygiene,
The participants, were taught the use of menstrual cup and were also taught about the laws of sexual exploitation. Sessions were taken on self defense, as well as the use of android and other banking applications, to instill financial independence in the participants. Khoj Visit: Our organization was visited by Khoj, an organization working to inculcate social responsibility in young adults and students. In today’s day and age, where the world has gone online as never before, students are more and more in to their electronic devices. Khoj attempts to bridge the gap between the youths and the grass route society. Wind Up: The batch was wound up with examination and feedback session.
New 22nd Residential Batch: In the month of September, we resumed our new batch with six students from different parts of the state of Kerala. One student from Thrissur, two from Cochin and One from Kollam and Wayanadu! They immediately plunged in to a series of learning. The training was intense in access technology, interpersonal skills, Yoga, English and orientation mobility. A variety of programs took place during this batch. Fashion Show: The first ever inclusive fashion show took place in collaboration with Big FM Sanadhalayam and other organizations. We were also joined by the founder of Blind rocks! Big Carnival: The Special Olympics the big carnival took place, with people of all disabilities again in collaboration with Big FM and Sanadhalayam. Our students actively
participated in jumping, running, and other activities. Visit from Kanthari: Our organization had a multi cultural interaction with the participants and Founder of Kanthari International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs. Thanking you all. With Best Wishes Tiffany and the entire Jyothirgamaya Team!
JYOTHIRGAMAYA FOUNDATION Address: Jyothirgamaya Foundation TC 4/2628, Maathravila, Rashmi Nagar Kuravankonam-Vayalikada Road, Kowdiar Post Trivandrum- 695 003, Kerala, India Phone number: +91 9037046548, +91 9497642680 Our dream is an inclusive Kerala, where blind works, enjoy, and live well. But we can only achieve this dream together, not alone! Please join hands with us in making a difference in the lives of the blind, through your volunteering, mentoring, as well as your benevolent contributions! No donation is too small for us. Our bank account for Indian donors: Account Name: Jyothirgamaya Foundation Account no: 6811567978 Account type: Current IFSC: sKKBK0000594 Branch: Vellayambalam Name of the bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank, Vellayambalam Click to donate Our FCRA account for foreign donors: We are authorized to receive foreign donations under Foreign Contributions Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA).Our FCRA registration number is 052910407.
Beneficiary Name : Jyothirgamaya Foundation Bank A/c No. : 40138681654 IFSC : SBIN0000691 Branch Code : 00691 SWIFT CODE : SBININBB104 City of Bank : New Delhi Name of Bank : State Bank of India (SBI) Branch Address : FCRA Cell,4th Floor,State Bank of India,New Delhi Main Branch,11 Sansad Marg,New Delhi-110001 Email : accounts(at)Jyothirgamayaindia(dot)org Beneficiary Address : Jyothirgamaya Foundation ,10 B,Skyline Palace court Apartment, Kowdiar,Trivandrum,Kerala 695003 By making donations to Jyothirgamaya you are eligible for tax exemption under section 80G of Income Tax Act 1961 Click to donate
By Jyothirgamaya
Newsletter
November 26, 2022

News Letter 2021

2021- NEW UPDATES The year started well, however, ended in numerous uncertainties! Let us now take you on a journey of our experiences with the pandemic, and what happened at Jyothirgamaya! With all your care, support and cooperation, Jyothirgamaya continues to climb the echelons of success with all your blessings!
THE BEGINNING OF 2021 With the beginning of the new year, we welcomed a new batch of ten students. The students were exceptionally bright and excited to learn and explore their surroundings. This time, we were joined by two little boys, Vasudev in fourth grade and his older brother Dinadev in seventh grade. Basic and advanced training in access technologies, outdoor accessibility skills, and multiple online sessions led by UST Global and other faculty at Jyothirgmaya Foundation were among the activities in which the students participated. Music for the Soul We have entered into a new field, the field of music, based on the suggestions of our students. Professionals teach Tabla and Keyboard to the students twice a week. Students now have the ability to explore their skills in yet another field thanks to their exciting new suggestion and activity. Reaching Out to Students: Due to the pandemic, people were unable to venture out, and reach out to us. We at Jyothirgamaya reached out to some of our students at home during these trying times, and we have included them into our residential trainings!
Time for some Adventure! Despite all obstacles, we were able to take our students on an all-inclusive adventure trip to a resort on the lovely island of Poovar! Our team coordinated the outing, and our students were overjoyed. The students were ecstatic to be riding motorbikes, an activity that is very rare for blind people due to all of the limitations and regulations associated with the sport. There were a variety of activities available, including a rain dance and a swimming pool. Our students' zeal for playing in the water knows no bounds!
 During the month of April 2021, after our Founder’s visit to Delhi, where she attended a number of networking events, she soon contracted COVID and had to go in to home quarantine, which was indeed challenging.  As a blind person, not being allowed to touch anything was indeed the biggest challenge, and she like many others managed to cross this hurdle too!  Meanwhile, a lockdown was also declared, which forced us to shut down all operations, and send the students home. Beginning of the new batch! During the month of May, we quickly adapted to the pandemic situation and went online as many others had during this period. Though online class accessibility was challenging for many of our students, we started a batch of four students from Kerala and three from North India. Krishna and Kiran from Delhi, were our most punctual and bright students. They managed to master all concepts taught to them and took utmost advantage of the telegram channel, started by Tiffany and Balaraman Sir our, Access Technology Trainer, where all recordings of our sessions were regularly posted in media. They were able to master MS word, Excel, Internet, Screen reader installation and much more! We also discovered a new way of training our students, through the new innovative technology of remote NVDA that is in other words accessible team viewer, a feature in the NVDA screen reader, which allows the teacher to access the computer of the students, and thus provide support! An another beginning!! In July, we started our second online batch with eleven students from Maharashtra. These students are from the Koragaon Park Boys Blind School in Pune! We took them through an intense training in basic computer use, to advanced computer use. The training covered different topics ranging from notepad, to internet operations.
Click on the below links to know more about our online classes https://www.facebook.com/jyothirgamaya/videos/4358895107474193 https://www.facebook.com/jyothirgamaya/videos/4364194030277634 https://www.facebook.com/jyothirgamaya/videos/1243143302765428 Online Communicative English Classes During this time, we also had English sessions conducted online by our friends all the way from Germany! We thank our friends from the FERNBEZIHUNG TRUST for their collaboration with us! In October we finally came back to offline operations! We had seven students all from Kerala with a zest for living and a thirst for knowledge! Five of them had become blind rather late in life, however this did not stop them from wanting to become independent! 40 year old Suja and 50 year old Soni, despite their age, plunged in to the course and started using their white canes for the first time. Suja deserves special mention, for she after gaining mobility training from Jyothirgamaya, travelled from her home town five hours away, alone in a bus to Trivandrum! Soni, after her short stint of mobility training, has now started traveling by home self and has also started a lottery business! The others, who had never used a computer, are now extremely good at using computers and smart phones! We continue to have the online English sessions with our German friends, so as to bring a new spark to our student’s lives, to improve their language and to give them on ground practice.
COVID Relief Mission As a part of the COVID Relief Mission, Jyothirgamaya distributed food kits to 20 blind People, from different parts of Trivandrum district. New Initiatives Our Founder also delivered sessions on disability inclusion to a few companies and organizations via zoom and Google Meet. Our organization has formed new partnerships with Goonj, Fernbezinghon and the Ford Foundation who has supported us a lot during this time. We are thankful to the FORD FOUNDATION, for its benevolent support in the form of a grant towards our work. We hope the coming year brings us back to normalcy and we shall have a happy recovery from the Pandemic! Thanking you all. With best wishes Tiffany and the entire Jyothirgamaya Team! JYOTHIRGAMAYA FOUNDATION Address: Jyothirgamaya Foundation TC 4/2628, Maathravila, Rashmi Nagar Kuravankonam-Vayalikada Road, Kowdiar Post Trivandrum- 695 003, Kerala, India Phone number: +91 9037046548, +91 9497642680
Our dream is an inclusive Kerala, where blind works, enjoy, and live well. But we can only achieve this dream together, not alone! Please join hands with us in making a difference in the lives of the blind, through your volunteering, mentoring, as well as your benevolent contributions! No donation is too small for us. Our bank account for Indian donors Account Name: Jyothirgamaya Foundation Account no: 6811567978 Account type: Current IFSC: KKBK0000594 Branch: Vellayambalam Name of the bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank, Vellayambalam Our FCRA account for foreign donors We are authorized to receive foreign donations under Foreign Contributions Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA).Our FCRA registration number is 052910407. Beneficiary Name : Jyothirgamaya Foundation Bank A/c No. : 40138681654 IFSC : SBIN0000691 Branch Code : 00691 SWIFT CODE : SBININBB104 City of Bank : New Delhi Name of Bank : State Bank of India (SBI) Branch Address : FCRA Cell,4th Floor,State Bank of India,New Delhi Main Branch,11 Sansad Marg,New Delhi-110001 Email : accounts(at)Jyothirgamayaindia(dot)org Beneficiary Address : Jyothirgamaya Foundation ,10 B,Skyline Palace court Apartment, Kowdiar,Trivandrum,Kerala 695003 By making donations to Jyothirgamaya you are eligible for tax exemption under section 80G of Income Tax Act 1961
By Jyothirgamaya
Newsletter
November 26, 2022

News Letter 2020

The year started well, however, ended in numerous uncertainties! The New Year greeted us with the arrival of a new lot, with six energetic students from Kerala and two from Northern India! They immediately plunged into a series of activities varying from access technology training, to mobility both indoors and outdoors! With all your care, support and blessings, Jyothirgamaya continues to climb the echelons of success with all your blessings!
A New Volunteer is here! Mrs. Muriel Milhau, a French Volunteer, joined our ever-expanding Jyothirgamaya Family at the start of the year. Mrs. Milhau came all the way from France to be with our students, to learn from them, to learn alongside them, and to share her vast knowledge and expertise with all of us! We had many memorable moments with Mrs. Milhau, some of which occurred during our various outings with her! Out to see some Elephants! Mrs. Muriel took our students on a tour of the elephant sanctuary, where all our students had a marvellous experience! They watched as the elephants bathed and ate, and even got to feed the elephants! This for the blind is indeed a new concept, because they are usually not permitted to touch animals here in India. It was exciting to see them playing with the elephants with great enthusiasm, amazement and happiness! We are grateful to Muriel for offering our students this wonderful experience, and for her innovative idea!
A New Year, A New Start - Inaugaration of Vocational Training Centre Jyothirgamaya adds another feather to its cap with the launch of the new Vocational Training Centre. This center was inaugurated by Sub-collector Ms. Pranjali Patel, IAS, who is also a member of our visually impaired community. Ms. Patel is a shining example of unwavering independence and bravery. This inauguration was made possible by one of our valued donors, POWER FINANCE CORPORATION, for whose unconditional support we are eternally grateful! In order for our students to get the best facilities and access to vocational training, Jyothirgamaya has partnered up with the organisation "WE CREATE LIVES," which works to empower people with disabilities by training them in a variety of activities! We Create Lives will be collaborating with us to train our students in a variety of handicraft and vocational skills! Sensitization Workshops Our Founder and three of our students took part in the Technopark inclusive walk. The goal was to sensitize the employees about the inclusion of people with disabilities, the trans community, and other minority groups. Naveen Pande, Simon, and Nishitha, three of our students, spoke about their experiences and how they envision an inclusive environment!
State Student Convention Program Our Founder was one of the speakers at the students' state convention held at Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, Trivandrum, where she talked about disability, inclusion, and how students can use their technological skills for the betterment of the society, such as designing technologies and applications that are available to people with disabilities. O Womania! - Women's Day IMs. Tiffany, our founder, attended a number of Women's Day events. Starting with Daily View, an organization that works with women who have suffered domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence. She also addressed the crowd at the Night Run hosted at Technopark, and also a small audience at Ambala Nagar Residence. The main highlights of Ms. Brar’s speeches were gender equality, inclusion of women with disabilities, equal pay, and her ideas on reversing gender roles.
Road to Independence Camp - Thrissur The Kerala Varma College in Thrissur hosted our “Road to Independence” training camp. Ms. Tiffany Brar and our team of special educators joined the pupils. The camp was packed with educational and recreational opportunities designed to inspire and broaden the horizons of our students. The key highlights of the camp were the basic management of an Android phone and the use of various apps relating to financial education. Aside from that, the students also took part in a nature walk and a cultural programme at the end of their stay. The faculty at Kerala Varma College were incredibly welcoming, and the "Disability Cell" in particular was very supportive of us and welcomed us to another camp with them! INK Retreat - Bangalore Tiffany, as an INK fellow in 2019, had the chance to pitch her proposal and share her experience with the INK fraternity again at the INK retreat in Bangalore in February.
Our work during the Lockdown! With the start of the Covid 19 Pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, the foundation was forced to close, and our students were forced to return to their homes, which were distributed throughout the country. Despite the fact that this was a difficult time for our students and teachers, everyone was encouraged to discover opportunities to educate themselves and become acquainted with new ways to learn in this setting. On websites such as UNICEF Agora, Web key IT, and Coursera, the faculty and our founder enrolled in classes such as mobility training, disabilities and inclusion, and assistive technology. This additional information provided the faculty with a greater understanding of the lockdown situation and assisted the faculty in determining the best ways to reach out to the students. Dragonflies Everywhere have held workshops on fundraising, branding, and NGO management for the faculty. During this time, our Founder, Ms. Tiffany, also held numerous online sensitization sessions and took some programming lessons for some experienced learners. We also helped the students prepare for competitive exams during this period. We began physical classes with four students as soon as we received approval from the Health Department, and we educated them in advanced coding and interpersonal skills. These students were also taught how to use online tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, MS Squad, and Google Forms.
During this period, we entered into a partnership with US Technology, a well reputed international organization, who helped us with our language and interpersonal skills training. We are very thankful to the UST team for assisting us with this initiative and for bringing about such significant positive impact on our students. Midway through the lockdown, we had two more students join us, Ramla and Sainaba, two blind sisters. Both of them had come from a very orthodox family, and despite having left their homes for the first time, they performed really well during the sessions! With this new batch of students, we had a session with the reserve bank of India, on financial inclusion. The students were informed about their rights to financial institutions as disabled people, and the students felt more informed and confident of financial knowledge and independence, post this session. Our course for the year ended with the onset of Christmas. Mr Sundarlal Sundaram, one of our well-wishers, who is of the ardent belief that blind people have the right to enjoy themselves and have fun, just as their sighted counterparts, took us for an adventure trip. As part of this trip, students fished for the first time, and also went swimming under the water falls. It was extremely delightful to see the students filled with such excitement and enthusiasm.
Food Distribution during Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of blind people, particularly those working on a daily wage basis, lost their source of income. Tiffany, our founder, was approached by a couple of the individuals who had to face those unfortunate conditions, and they had requested food assistance. Ms. Tiffany reached out to twenty such families and provided them with food parcels.
Important Thank You Note We would like to thank the following organizations for there unhindered support to us, and we hope to continue our blossoming relationship with them: Ford Foundation INK Fellowship We Create Lives Power Finance Corporation Dragonflies Everywhere UST Global Our dream is an inclusive Kerala, where blind works, enjoy, and live well. But we can only achieve this dream together, not alone! Please join hands with us in making a difference in the lives of the blind, through your volunteering, mentoring, as well as your benevolent contributions! No donation is too small for us. Our Bank account for Indian donors Account Name: Jyothirgamaya foundation, Account no: 6811567978 Account type: Current, IFSC: KKBK0000594, Branch: Vellayambalam Name of the bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank, Vellayambalam Our FCRA account for foreign donors FCRA registration number: 052910407 Account Name: Jyothirgamaya Foundation Account number: 1313807737, IFSC code: KKBK0000594 Branch code: 0594, SWIFT CODE: KKBKINBB Name of the bank: Kotak Mahindra Vellayambalam, Trivandrum, Kerala. By making donations to Jyothirgamaya you are eligible for tax exemption under section 80G of Income Tax Act 1961
By Jyothirgamaya
NewsletterUncategorized
November 25, 2022

News Letter 2019

Dear friends, well-wishers and supporters, Hearty greetings from Jyothirgamaya! Welcome to our newsletter of 2019 Since our last newsletter, we have been on a more interesting and innovative journey with a wide range of unique activities, including migration to our new premises! With all your care, support and blessings, Jyothirgamaya continues to climb higher and higher up the ladder of success!
Residential training course The New Year greets us, with the start of our 14th residential training course with five students, Four from Kerala and one from Maharashtra. During These batch students were taught basic computing, mobility and communicative English. Arrival of new volunteer On the 17th of January, we witnessed the arrival of a new family member in to our family of Jyothirgamaya,”Salome” all the way from Germany! She is a professional social worker with previous experience in Africa, which played a vital role in her work with us. She brought a memorable transformation in the outlook of the students, through her communicative English classes, theatre arts and also through her creative games!
The relocation Our organization sees yet another milestone! With an idea of embarking on a new venture Jyothirgamaya Pre-school for blind, the first of its kind in India. We decided to relocate to a more spacious building. Our current building is now in a better more centralized location with ample space for the residential training course, as well as the pre-school. Fifteenth residential training programme The month of June, saw the commencement of our fifteenth empowerment residential training programme at our new premises! A whole new atmosphere and a classroom full of nine energetic students of all ages. The students immediately plunged in to a series of activities such as mobility training, ICT, interpersonal skills and regular Yoga classes to our students.
HellenKeller day celebration On this great day, we conducted an awareness session about the noble soul Helen Keller, who herself being deaf and blind, made her mark in society, and is a model for all people with and without disabilities. After which all students were taken on a fun trip to the Shanghamugham beach,Where they not only swam in the ocean, but also had an experience of horse riding, which was a take away, and also a joy for each of them. International Yoga day This Yoga day in particular was a memorable occasion for us, as it paved the way for a new partnership with Yoga association and Uma’s nutriyoga. We had a fully-fledged session with all our students and the members of these two organizations. We are also pleased to introduce our new Yoga faculty MR Jayprakash who now teaches Yoga regularly
Inauguration of new centre The 19th July, marks a new beginning for us! The inauguration of our preparatory school and new training centre. The occasion was presided over by our Honourable Minister K Shailaja Teacher and the special secretary social justice Shri. Biju Prabhakar IAS On this note, we also released our Jyothirgamaya theme song” Theliyunnu Jwalayi” whose meaning, is in line with our organizational work. The song was composed by a young budding musician Rahul Mohandas and Sajiv Singh on the vocals. Our students also displayed a spectacular cultural programme with song, dance and drama. Many of our well-wishers were present.
Initiation of extra curricula activities “All work and no play, makes jack a dull boy”! Our students delightfully took part in a chess competition, organized my Marbecillious College of engineering! Though our students played chess at the centre with our access technology trainer who is also a renowned chess player for the first time they had the experience of a real competition! Self defence Self defence session was organized for the girls exclusively by the college for our girls, so as to empower them, and enable them to defend themselves at any situation!
A unique independence day 15th august, which is our day of independence, marks yet another new beginning at Jyothirgamaya. Our students were initiated in to vocational training, and handicraft work. Not all can sit in front of a computer, and become an IT expert! People have varied passions, and at Jyothirgamaya we try to respect all passions, ad steer our students towards their passions! Along with an organization. “We Create Lives “at the Trivandrum polio home our students learned dream catcher making, flower and candle making. ‘ Saying goodbye to this energetic batch! Sadly as the proverb says “all good things must come to an end”, the month saw the successful winding up of our batch. The students take their certificates with immense and enter in to the big wide world. One of them Harisree, a young high spirited girl enters the work force in a call centre in Cochin!
Sensitization programmes We all know that there are still many, who need yet to be educated about the capabilities of persons with disabilities and who also need a spark of new fire in their lives and a new motivation! We at Jyothirgamaya believe in this, and conduct sensitization sessions whenever possible. Second dine in the dark programme Jyothirgamaya conducts its second dine in the dark programme, in collaboration with Inner wheel club of Cochin. The programme was attended by almost seventy people and was covered by many Media channels. It was indeed a unique experience for all members, as they were guided inside the hall, by our students, and taken on the new experience of identifying and eating their meal in the kark. Songs were sung, and our students told their life stories, how they were and how Jyothirgamaya changed their lives. Our theme song was also played in the background, which was appreciated by all the guests, as its lyrics are in line with our work. It was thrilling experience to hear our students singing along to the melodious music! We are indeed proud and grateful to those who made this beautiful song for us!
Kitchen Trivandrum An event held every month sponsored by Federal bank, similar to TED talks where eminent officials and change makers come together and share their thoughts on how change can be effective. Tiffany Brar was invited along with the Jyothirgamaya team consisting of our budding student Aneesh, Mr. Balaraman, Access Technology Trainer and Mrs.Aruna our Administrator. They all took the audience through their journeys as blind people, accessibility of computer android phones how the blind can be useful and not useless and much more! Walk for inclusion Yet another milestone in Jyothirgamaya, in sensitizing the government as well as the public, the first programmes of its kind our walk for inclusion! This was in collaboration with the students of LBS Engineering College, as part of their college fest, for a social cause. We walked from Maniyamvithi to Kanakakunnu palace and the walk was graced by our eminent Special Secretary of Social Justice Shri. Biju Prabhakar,IAS who is an ardent admirer of Jyothirgamaya and its work.
Women’s day programmes As International Women’s Day, is one of the most important days and as our Founder is a woman, many organizations and companies long to hear her experience and personal struggle as a woman with a disability, and her views on gender equality. She was invited to a number of organizations this year Hutko, a central government for sharing her experiences and shedding light on gender equality in government sector, the government secretariat, for emphasizing on the same. At this programme all employees were quite disinterested in the beginning, but Tiffany succeeded to captivate the audience through her oratory skills, role plays and examples. She was also invited to eminent companies such as IBS, Invest Net, as well as Nisan Private Limited. At all these places she shed light on the aspect of how gender roles should change starting from the home itself, moving on the textbooks and subsequently at the workplace, stressing upon equal wages for both men and women and support for women during maternity and equal shifts day and night for both genders
Infosys Tiffany was indeed honoured to have been invited as the keynote speaker for the infuses belated women’s day celebration. Here too she spoke on a variety of topics gender related captivating the audience. She was privileged to have IAS Asha Thomas, as a fellow speaker who too gave very good views on gender equality. Innovation camp for youth with disabilities Jyothirgamaya actively participated in the state government project innovation camp for youth with disabilities organization by national institute of speech and hearing along with Kerala innovation strategic council. Our participants trained the catalysts in Mobility, accessibility, and also gave insightful answers to their questions on how blind people live a well grounded life and the challenges they face, and also how they get around technologically and about their white-canes.
Responsible tourism Our founder played an active role in the declaration which was made on 4thMarch at Mascot hotel by the Kerala tourism department for responsible tourism, and making touristic places accessible for persons with disabilities by giving her inputs on how such places can be made disable friendly. Indian Medical Association Camp Our Founder gave a small exciting sensitization session to the kids who attended the summer camp, organized by the Indian Medical Association under the president ship of Dr.Anupama. Kerala Social Security Mission Talent Search Camp Tiffany along with her team consisting of Mano, Educational Coordinator and a MBA intern Ms. Amala Thomas, conducted ice breaking sessions and rights awareness sessions for the blind participants of the Kerala Social Security Mission Talent Search Camp.She was surprised to find many students had budding inner talent and had allot of potential and she urged them to go further in life and to make maximum use of their rights.
PMI Trivandrum Tiffany Brar was invited as the key note speaker for “The Regional Conference of the Kerala Chapter” for the project management institute. She shed light upon the importance of inclusion in project management and also about including persons with disabilities in the leadership roles and roles of project managers. Pranathi Women’s Programme Tiffany along with her educational coordinator Mano participated in the Mother’s Day Celebration of the Pranathi Women’s Group of which she is a prominent member. She was the main guest along with Theertha Nirmal who is hearing impaired and who also runs as.
Christ Nagar School Interaction with our students We at Jyothirgamaya, don’t like to limit our students to themselves, we wish for them to explore the world, and interact with the sighted population! We regularly welcome school and college students as well as people from different walks of life to visit, interact, and eventually enter the Jyothirgamaya family! We had a fruitful interaction with the students of the higher secondary level of Christ Nagar School. We all sang, laughed, they asked questions about our live, and how we cope with our challenges, and also about accessibility software, ETC. We also partook in tea and snacks together. Interaction with UST global We are pleased to welcome the members of one of Trivandrum’s most prestigious international companies as a part of our Jyothirgamaya Family, UST Global. We had a fruitful interaction with its members, who took an interpersonal skill session for our students, and answered their queries about life skills, and employment in private sector.
Sensitization session at NISH National institute for speech and hearing invites us for a sensitization session. Here the hearing and visually impaired students exchanged notes, and there was a short interaction. Giridhar Eye institute “Eyek 2019 Our founder was the chief guest along with a young budding musician for the annual day of Giridhar eye institute of optometry. She delivered the keynote address, where she spoke about the way of handling people with visual impairment.
Student’s induction programme Providence College Chenganoor Our founder conducted the inaugural address for the students induction programme, urging and motivating them to go ahead with life with an inner zest, and radiance. She also highlighted upon disability, and how people with disabilities live, and how these engineering students, can use their technology as a tool to create social good and accessibility for people with disabilities. Women economic forum Our founder participated as a speaker at the women economic forum, at IIM Kozhikode, along with many other eminent ladies in the field of social, as well as business entrepreneurship. She spoke about her challenges, and how to be the change.
Onam celebration at Rajiv Gandhi Foundation Alapuzha Our founder was invited as the guest of honour for the Onam celebration of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, a philanthropic organization working for the welfare of financially weaker students, cancer patients, and old people. She gave an insightful talk on social work, and the importance of helping others, and thanked the foundation for its good work in this field Spindle Award The month of October saw yet another leap for JyothirgamayAn international recognition. “The Spindle award”. Our founder along with our access technology trainer MR P Balaraman, went to the Netherlands for an inclusion week, the NOW US, nothing about us without us! Among 162 organizations ours was selected as one of the top ten inclusive initiatives, and we got the second prize!
Residential training batch Buzzing like busy bees, our students of the sixteenth batch! Classes go one as usual, with a spark to the fire, our long awaited inclusive adventure tour to Thenmala with our adventurous well-wisher MR .Sundarlal Sundaram. All students had fun, and plunged in to a number of adventure sports, such as rope riding, rope climbing boating and allot more! The tour was attended by 20 students old and new from across the state and it was a wonderful time of adventure, freedom, fun and inclusion!
We thank you all for sparing your time and travelling with us on our journey of activities, and hope to bring allot more change, transformation and change in the next year. Our dream is an inclusive Kerala, where blind works, enjoy, and live well. But we can only achieve this dream together, not alone! Please join hands with us in making a difference in the lives of the blind, through your volunteering, mentoring, as well as your benevolent contributions! No donation is too small for us. Our Bank account for Indian donors Account Name: Jyothirgamaya foundation, Account no: 6811567978 Account type: Current, IFSC: KKBK0000594, Branch: Vellayambalam Name of the bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank Vellayambalam Our FCRA account for foreign donors FCRA registration number: 052910407 Account Name: Jyothirgamaya Foundation Account number: 1313807737, IFSC code: KKBK0000594 Branch code: 0594, SWIFT CODE: KKBKINBB Name of the bank: Kotak Mahindra Vellayambalam Trivandrum Kerala. By making donations to Jyothirgamaya you are eligible for tax exemption under section 80G of Income Tax Act 1961
JYOTHIRGAMAYA FOUNDATION Address: Jyothirgamaya Foundation TC 4/2628, Maathravila, Rashmi Naga Kuravankonam-Vayalikada Road, Kowdiar Post Trivandrum- 695 003, Kerala, India Phone number: +91 9037046548, +91 9497642680 www.jyothirgamayaindia.org www.facebook.com/Jyothirgamaya www.youtube.com/jyothirgamayaindiaorg
By Jyothirgamaya
Newsletter
November 25, 2022

News Letter 2018

Dear friends and well-wishers, Hearty greetings fromJyothirgamaya! Welcome to the newsletter of Jyothirgamaya of 2018 Dear friends, supporters, and well-wishers of Jyothirgamaya! We send you warm Greetings, from Jyothirgamaya Foundation, yet again! Since our last newsletter, we have been on a more interesting and innovative journey, with a wide range of unique activities, with a number of wonderful, energetic and vibrant souls. With all your care, support and blessings, Jyothirgamaya continues to climb higher and higher up the ladder of success!
Training program and participation of volunteers The month of October meets with the arrival, of a new middle aged volunteer a special educator all the way from Brazil, Gisela Carlvalho. She came with an abundance of creativity, and lots of sensory games for our students,which livened up our atmosphere, and also equipped our students with sensory skills. Chumaduthangi Tiffany Brar, along with other eminent personalities including the MLA Sateesh Katakada, participated in the inauguration of a new band Chumaduthangi, based wholly on social initiatives. It was formulated by a bunch of firey, talented youths, whose passion is music, and who are determined to use music as a tool to create social change. They perform, and the profit they gain, is used for social good.She spoke about her challenges, and how they led her to serve her community. Fourth Ted Talk Tiffany was fortunate to present her fourth ted talk, at CET! The theme was based on shedding old skin, and evolving new skin, eminent people like the film maker Bini Noble, and the playback singer Sid Sri ram were also speakers at this occasion. Fifth Ted Talk Besides, this she delivered with more spice, and fire, her fifth ted talk at the beautiful KodaiKannal International School. This ted was about turning challenges in to catalysts for long term social change. It was appreciated by all, and Tiffany, won the hearts of the KIS faculty and students. Kerala Start up mission programme
Jyothirgamaya was privileged to be one of the facilitators for the social entrepreneurship sessions for the government organization Kerala start up mission at St. Joseph College, Palai. Prestigious and proud moment for Jyothirgamaya The month of December, was indeed a proud and memorable moment for Jyothirgamaya, as our founder was awarded the best role model national award from non-otherthanthe President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind,another touching moment of this occasion, was it was held on the united Nations International Disability Day, and during his speech, the President, spoke about her achievements, and called her “The Courageous daughter of India”. This is the largest milestone Jyothirgamaya has reached in its three years of success. Workshop by Enabled India, Bangalore Jyothirgamaya, always desires to enrich and updates its skills, and impart it to others, for which we always maintain good relations with other organizations, and try to learn whatever we can from them. On this context, during the month of December Jyothirgamaya participated in an all India NGO workshop, conducted by Enable India, Bangalore, which was on employability skills, and latest training techniques. Arrival of Volunteer The New Year brings us with a new fire, inspiration, and energy to work, and to impact others! We greeted our ninth batch of energetic students, and our first volunteer from Service volunteer International (Switzerland) Amina EL Rhazi. She brought with her an inner zest, an everlasting energy, and a lot of new ideas which set the fire of Jyothirgamaya blazing! The students at once plunged in to a series of activities such as access technology training, orientation and mobility, English, and interpersonal skills, Yoga, and even cooking! During this batch we also frequently went out on trips to the beach, to the yearly flower show, and to the museum to enhance mobility, and also to refresh their minds!
Seventh Road to Independence Camp In February, Jyothirgamaya had its seventh Road to Independence camp in collaboration with Christ College Irinjalakuda near Thrissur. Here we trained 12 blind participants with android, computer,mobility, and interpersonal skills. It was a greatsuccess.We added icing to the camp, with a tour to one of the famous beaches around whereeach participant had an amazing time. Job Day Foundation Women Award During the same month our founder was blessed with another Loral, the Job Day Foundation Women Award, 2018 by the Job Day Foundation,Trivandrum. Tour with Big FM Jyothirgamaya’s ninth batch, gets luckier, and luckier, they had an opportunity to go for a one day tour with the most popular RJ’s of Big 92.7 FM to experience the nature. We were accompanied by the volunteers of Iqbal College, and we all had a wonderful time.
Sensitization Programmes Besides, our intense training programmes, Jyothirgamaya are also involved in creating an attitudinal change among the general public in a vital way. During this time, we had a motivational and awareness session at the LNCP College of Physical Education, where our founder threw light upon adapted physical education, and its need, and also on how to handle people with disabilities. World without seeing Jyothirgamaya was privileged to have a stall at the exhibition conducted at the Government College for Women. Here we blindfolded each member of the gathering who visited our stall, and gave them a glimpse in to our world, our assistive devices, our lives, and also gave them a small snack. This programme, produced a large impact upon the students, as well as on the teachers and other faculty members of the college. Make a difference award In February, our Founder Tiffany Brar got the “Make a Difference Award” from the Rotary Club of Trissur. She also gave a motivation session there. Samvedhana NSS camp Jyothirgamaya’s students actively participated in the Samvedhana NSS camp held at DR.GR Public School, under the dynamic leadership of Mr.BrahmaNayakam Mahadevan, an advocate for integration, and a motivational speaker. The students were well integrated with the school students, and they at the spur of the moment gave a captivating performance of an array of cultural activities.
International Women’s Day Celebrations On the occasion of International Women’s Day, our founder spread her wings across the city, to spread the message of woman empowerment, and gender equality. She conducted sessions at EY, Canara Bank, Fedral Bank, as well as at the Rudira Blood Donation Campaign. She also received the “Woman Vision Award”from “Maithri Cultural Association”. Soft Soft skill training During the same month, she also conducted soft skill trainings for State Bank of India, as well forSarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA). She was also invited to deliver the inaugural address for the annual day celebrations of Manacaud Government School.
Volunteers marching to Jyothirgamaya at March month The month of March, also witnessed the arrival of our next volunteer from SVI Marie, who is dedicated and committed to the organization. She diligently took the students on a journey through the realms of English. She also plays a vital role in broadening their horizon, introducing new mobility techniques, outings, etc. The month of March also welcomes two Indian MBA in turns, from the SP Jain Institute of Management, who played a vital role in modifying our website, brochures, giving us valuable advice, and also conducting interpersonal skill sessions for our students. Phoenix Award In April the Phoenix award ceremony took place. This ceremony rewards disabled social workers for all their accomplishments. Our founder Tiffany Brar has been awarded by the very famous actor Mammootty. Time for claims India needs to become accessible to everyone. That is why on the 18th of April, Jyothirgamaya did a strike, because we want equality, we want our students to be as independent as they can be. Currency notes should be accessible to all it is a basic right. The lines should be distinct or Braille embossed should be on the notes.
Summer camp Each year, in April Jyothirgamaya establishes a summer camp. During this computer camp our aim is to provide the best formation for our students. We want them to gain in confidence, to realize what they can do and we provide them basics skills in different areas. Every day for one week our team provide different intensive classes to our students. This year we were pleased to welcome 5 batches of students. Computer classes We had students from different level this year. We adapt our lessons to their level so everybody gets to improve their skills and leave the camp with effective ones. Yoga classes Meditation is an activity for the mind and for the body and we want our students to have some physical exercises during the day. Moreover, yoga enables our students to have a quiet mind and to be more focused during the day. That is why we incorporated it in our students’ daily morning routine. Mobility Sessions Walking with confidence and without assistance, this is the point of mobility. That is why we introduce our students to this topic. So they understand that blind doesn’t mean “dependent”. Also we teach them how to use a white cane, so they know if there are obstacles on their way.
Testimony by Sumesh,21 years old and Aneesh, 24 years old. They both first came as students in January for a four month program. After 4 months of studying we could see how involved in the organisation they were. Aneesh came few days in every week to help with the computer classes during the camp and Sumesh stayed with us for the all summer camp. He would help with the computer classes, with the mobility classes and was a very good translator for our English teacher. They were both very welcoming with the new students. Showing them everything they need to know, making them feel comfortable. So the least we can say is that the more we get to know them, the more we are proud of them and we’ll finish with their own words. Sumesh: “I feel more independent now, I feel more normal if it makes any sense I used to beshy and introvert, and I needed a lot of help to do simple things. Now I am living a different life andmy wish for the future is that Tiffany’s organisation gets bigger”. Aneesh: “In India, there are a lot of impaired people that are not supported by their family or by the government. I was lucky enough to meet Tiffany and my dream would be to become a teacher myself in a blind school. To give other the same opportunity I had”. Vocational Excellence Award On May 1st our founder Tiffany Brar, attended a program in Kollam. The ceremony was hosted by Incredible Women’s Organisation, Rotary Club of Quilon Lotus and its amazing President Vinitha William. Our governor was also present and gave Tiffany the “Vocational Excellence Award”. This prize means a lot to us, since the Rotary Club is an organisation that shares the same values than ours and does a lot for the communitymmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Meeting with Emirates During the month of May, Jyothirgamaya entered in to a dialogue with Emirates airline, one of the most prominent international airlines, on making traveling by air more accessible, and barrier free for persons with visual impairment, and how to take care of them in times of emergency. A meeting was held to discuss these points, and Jyothirgamaya Foundation sensitized the employees and stakeholders. Media programme Our founder was interviewed by the famous anchor Dhanya Varma, for Kerala’s most prominent shows “The Happiness Project” on Kappa TV. The programme had a unique beginning, an eye-opener to the audience. Tiffany giving the anchor a glimpse of the world of the blind, by serving her a meal in the dark! This was followed by Tiffany’s interview, where she expressed her happiness without sight, and her positivity in her work, and what keeps her going this way. Empowerment Programme Just as we empower and train others, it is also important to keep our skills up to date, and our energy levels balanced, this can be done by attending some training programmes and getting empowered. Tiffany, our founder attended “The Wild Training Programme” at Srilanka, held by the Mobility International Use, an organization promoting leadership among women. Twelfth Batch The month of June greets us with our twelfth multicultural batch of students. Two students from Nepal, and three from Kerala. They were taught orientation &mobility, basic and advanced computing. Adesh and Saugath our Nepali students did exceptionally well in computers and even reached the level of installation of software and basic HTML. This batch also saw some new techniques in adapted
physical education. We had two brief visiting well-wishers all the way from Australia. Sarah Nelson, and her partner Linzy, who are also Yoga experts. They introduced our students to Acro yoga, which they enjoyed a lot, and which also enabled them to realize that there are no barriers for blind people. We also had a young energetic volunteer, probably our youngest, Mayurika ninth standard, enthusiastic socially committed student from Dubai, who played a vital role in integrating our students to the outside world, helping them with their English and motivating them. Barrier Free Tourism “Hellen Keller Day” marks the beginning of a new initiative in the state Kerala, of which our organization is a part of barrier free tourism. The government introduced a new initiative of barrier free tourism and making all tourist places barrier free in the state of Kerala, where tourism and travel is most popular. Our founder along with many eminent persons in the disability field gave her inputs on how temples, museums and other places can be made accessible, for instance introducing ramps instead of ramps in the beaches, audio toilets in public places, accessible rooms in hotels, etc. Inclusive activities Our founder actively participated in “The National Consultation for Inclusive and Accessible Elections” at Delhi during the month of July and gave her valuable inputs to make elections free, fair and accessible to persons with visual impairment and initiate Braille election ID cards and also to include persons with disabilities in political process. National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) Our founder also actively participated representing her state at “The National Consultation on the Implementation of the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act “during the same month at the capital.
The District Assembly of the Inner Wheel Tiffany Brar was invited as the key note speaker for “The District Assembly of the Inner Wheel” in Calicut, where she gave an insight about the plight of persons with disabilities and emphasized on the fact that life is not just sitting in a room and doing one’s own business and living in the comfort zone, but she called out to the eminent women there, to come out and experience the hardships of others and try to help them. Sensitization Programmes on a) Inaccessible currencies Tiffany was invited to enlighten the officials of “SBI Foundation” and “Reserve Bank of India”, about the difficulties faced by persons with visual impairment with respect to the present currency notes, the inability to identify them and the lack of financial privacy and the inconvenience and exploitation it leads to. She also enlightened them about the inaccessible ATMs and banking applications, and appealed them to find suitable solutions to make banking more disabled friendly and also to make currency easily identifiable as earlier. b) Plight of persons with disabilities Tiffany attempts to pull of the wool over the eyes of the elite children of the Vivek High School, Chandigarh by giving them an awareness session on the plight of persons with disabilities, how to treat them, behave with them and how to integrate them and treat them as they would treat themselves. She also highlighted on the fact that these children were far more fortunate than many others and that they should never miss an opportunity to help someone else in need, cash, kind, words, or even a smile.
c) Gender Equality Our founder being a woman with disability is an ardent believer of gender equality and women empowerment. She actively participates in “The Vande Keralam Event” which advocates for gender equality. One of Kerala’s most famous radio jackies and social activists Kidilam Firoz, goes on a three hunger strike and is handcuffed this he does to promote gender equality. He travels across Trivandrum, to collect the voices of women and girls tucked away in the nooks and corners of the state and also of college and school girls and makes their problems known to the government. Here Tiffany gives her opinions on gender equality, and also highlights the difficulties being faced by women with disabilities and how the society can change their attitude. Flood relief work Jyothirgamaya actively plays its role in helping Kerala in the time of natural calamity by traveling from door to door collecting necessary items and sending to a tribal colony in Wayanadu. Onam celebration and audio library inauguration The beginning of September brings Jyothirgamaya to the inauguration of a new project an audio library. Jyothirgamaya celebrates Onam with the students of economics department of Government Women’s College and also inaugurates its new audio library, with an aim to make reading material
accessible to blind people in all possible formats. New clothes (Onnakkodi) were also distributed to the Jyothirgamaya students by the women’s college. We had almost twenty of our students and more than forty students from the women’s college. A short cultural programme was also conducted with active participation of all students and staff of Jyothirgamaya and women’s college and our old friend Samuel from Germany, who had just arrived. This marks the symbol of integration and oneness between blind and sighted. This was also followed by an elaborate Sadhya sponsored by a north Indian family living in Kerala. Batch 13 This month also brings to us our students of the 13th batch. With two high spirited girls from Raipur and Mumbai, and four students from Kerala. Many different activities were introduced during this batch in fact it is one of the most unique batches in the history of our organization. The students instantly plunged in to the intense learning of access technology, which they were not at all acquainted to before, they learned how to use a cane, they visited the museum, which was made accessible to us by the officials, and also went on many interesting adventure trips to a waterfall, beach and much more! As a part of recreation an entertainment our access technology trainer Balarman sir, taught the students the unique art of chess, which is a prominent sport practiced by the blind. Our friend and
volunteer Samuel also used his creativity to the fullest by making a wooden Ludo game for the students too, which they play quite frequently in the evenings along with chess. During this batch we also have three more new members in the Jyothirgamaya Family, Anna from Canada, Lena fr om Germany and Julie from Belgium. Each of these volunteers has their own unique specialties and expertise to offer to our students. Theatre and body expression is introduced by Julie, new applications with regards to IOS and android are introduced by Anna, and art and craft is introduced in a small way by Lena. The students start by making small bead braclets and plastic flower vases. A workshop on intercultural dialogue to introduce a healthy intercultural exchange and broaden our students intercultural knowledge is also conducted with these three energetic dedicates volunteers Training and empowerment The Jyothirgamaya team comprising of Tiffany, Balaraman sir and Samuel, attend an echolocation workshop conducted by world access for the blind at the NAB India center Delhi, under Jyothirgamaya’s coordination. They learn the basics of echolocation and will soon impart it at a further level. Media Tiffany Brar, our founder got yet another opportunity to spread her wings at national level, through “India’s best Dramebaz”, a well known children’s programme on Zee Tv. Here two exceptionally talented children enacted Tiffany’s life story and Tiffany felicitated them and also spoke about her life and the challenges faced by the blind. She received appreciation from the famous Hollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and also was presented with “The Real Hero Award”.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Our founder delivered a sensitization session for the employees of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). She spoke about stress management and also highlighted on the fact of how they should behave with persons with visual impairment and physical impairment in airport while escorting and helping them. Awareness session on importance of accessibility Tiffany Brar gave the keynote address at a disability studies seminar conducted by the English department of Panampali Government College, Chalakudi where she spoke on accessibility and the importance of making study materials accessible for visually impaired persons. Women Empowerment Programme Jyothirgamaya yet again initiates a new project, women empowerment workshops for blind women and girls. Our first camp in this project was conducted at Sri Kerala Varma College, Thrissur. Sessions were conducted in reproductive health, orientation mobility, android use and accessible banking applications.
Pinkathon and white cane awareness Pinkathon day was celebrated on 21st October as awareness against breast cancer and also as a symbol of women empowerment. More than four hundred women participated in this programme, including Tiffany, our founder. This was followed by a white cane awareness walk, where a few of the women were blindfolded and made to walk with a white cane. They were guided by our young radiant visually impaired girls Jeelu and Muskan. This was a totally new experience for them and gave them a glimpse of the life of the blind and how they can do their day to day things. It filled the atmosphere with a mixture of feelings and positive energy. Wild Women Workshop Jyothirgamya conducts its first ever cross disability women leadership workshop WILD women institute of leadership and disability, in collaboration with Mobility International USA. The workshop was conducted on November 25th with twenty women of all disabilities at the Winsor Rajadhani. The workshop comprised of different sessions on a variety of subjects pertaining to women well -being.
Adventure Trips Thenamala Jyothirgmaya had its yearly inclusive tour to Thenmala ecotourism place and Kuttallam waterfalls with one of our benevolent well wishers and adventure lovers Mr. Sundarlal Sundaram. It was a two day tour with a lot of adventure and unique experiences such as water balloons, rope riding, rope climbing and much more. The students also had an opportunity to try their hands at poetry too, and on the hole it was a unique experience for all.
Jyothirgamaya in Media To read /watch please click the hyperlink  Best Role Model Award Tiifany Brar “The courageous daughter of India”  TED x CET Disability not found  TEDx Kodaikanal International School The Sky's the Limit  Phoenix Award Disabled social worker  Zee tv Real Hero Award  Keralavision Satellite Channel The Edge Episode  Kappa TV The Happiness Project  Asianet News Sound for sight  News Minute Visually impaired people protest in Kerala
Jyothirgamaya in Media To watch please click the hyperlink • Mathrubumi Kappa TV The Happiness Project • Real Hero Award Life of Tiffany Brar Support us Jyothirgamaya looks forward to let its shine in all directions and make that difference everyone needed, to spread that fire & spice and spread smile on the face that are wary and sad! We urge to bring the blind out and make the world receptive to them. This we can only do if you join hands with us, energies with us and support us. you may feel free to get involved with us, by volunteering or donating. Be a volunteer Apply now To donate us You can help us to make a difference through your contributions Donations can be made in cash or by cheque/draft in favor of Jyothirgamaya Foundation. Account Name : Jyohtirgamaya Foundation Account Number : 6811567978 Bank name: Kotak Mahindra Bank IFSC: KKBK0000594 Account type: Current By making donations to Jyothirgamaya you are eligible for tax exemption under section 80G of Income Tax Act 1961.
Office Address : Jyothirgamaya Foundation Mra 1, Ambalamukku Junction, Trivandrum,Kerala- 695005 Contact Numbers: +91471 485 2680, +91 9497642680 Email Address: office@jyothirgamayaindia.org Website: https://jyothirgamayaindia.org facebook: www.facebook.com/Jyothirgamaya Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jyothirgamaya
By Jyothirgamaya
Newsletter
November 25, 2022

News Letter 2017

Welcome to the news letter of Jyothirgamaya! After relentless handwork, and a number of great achievements we are extremely glad to bring out our first ever newsletter. For those who are with us for the first time, we shall first enlighten you a little about our work. Jyothirgamaya is an organization which works to empower the blind in all possible spheres of life. We envision a barrier free environment for the blind. We train the blind in all necessary skills enabling them to assimilate in to mainstream society and find suitable employment, continue with mainstream education, and be bread winners of their families. We teach them to consider their blindness as a boon not a bane! We conduct training in orientation and mobility, basic and advance computer use, communicative English and employability skills, life skills, Yoga, and the use of latest technology. But besides all this, we also like to provide a new colour to the lives of the blind. We do this by organizing training camps in different parts of the state under the banner “Road to Independence” in these camps we take them away from their usual atmosphere and transport them on a new journey in to a new world full of surprises. We do conduct the above mentioned training, but we also add some fire and spice to our activities. We take them on adventure trips, and organize motivational sessions for them.
Inauguration of Jyothirgamaya Training centre On the 12th of April the Jyothirgamaya foundation inaugurated its training centre at Ambalamukku Trivandrum. The honourable Labour Minister of Kerala Mr. Shibu Baby John, inaugurated the training centre. The occasion was graced by many other eminent personalities and well wishers After the inauguration Jyothirgamaya was presented with one of its most valuable assets, a Maruthi Eco van, by the Benevolent Mrs Madhu Nair (Leela Hotel). We thank her for her generosity. Road to Independence Camp During the same month, we had our first “Road to Independence” training camp under the newly formed organization. The camp was conducted at Thrissur at the Bethesda Charitable home, with the kind courtesy of its founder Dr Theracian Dias. There were six blind participants three energetic and M.A students, a government school professor and a young blind inmate of the home. They were taught basic and advanced computing. The training was tailored to the needs of each participant. Communicative English was also taught. The students liked the class as allot of fun add frolic was thrown in to it!. The camp also covered all aspects of orientation and mobility. Echo location a unique aspect of orientation and mobility was also taught to the participants. The camp ended with a tour to the Snehatheeram beach near Thrissur. The participants enjoyed thoroughly, and one of them even said that she would never forget this tour, for she has rarely been taken anywhere. She says “The last I visited the beach was when I was very small". A remarkable change can be noted in Monsi, the young woman, who has not been properly schooled. She has gone through many hardships and is now an inmate of the home. She learned to walk in her surroundings with a cane, and also a little typing.
Road to Independence camp... Jyothirgamaya conducted yet another “Road to Independence” camp in May 2015. We take immense pleasure in informing you all, that this camp was conducted at our very own centre which is located in the heart of the Trivandrum city. It was a great success! The participants enjoyed themselves thoroughly! They were a mixed group comprising of young energetic school girls, and two energetic men. They were transported to a world of new experiences. Communicative English was taught by Mr. Swamy Nathan Pillai, a well known international blind English trainer, and extra curricula activities were thrown in by our German volunteer Samuel We danced! We sang! We made marry! We also went for a movie which the participants were delighted to watch. It was unique experience for them to enter a movie theatre. Some of them say that they have hardly had the opportunity to watch a film in a theatre. But, It wasn’t only fun! We had some serious learning too! They were taught echo location, indoor and outdoor mobility, cane techniques, and also some basic computing. A remarkable change can be noted in Vinod, an old Jyothirgamaya beneficiary, who has been diligently attending our camps and training He had not ventured out of his home till very late in life. It has been a year since he started to progress. He is now well versed in computers, and mobility, he goes everywhere alone. His computer knowledge is to be praised as it must be noted that he has not been to school at all!. During the month of June Jyothirgamaya continued with training participants at the centre and also at their places of residence. We received quite a number of participants for computer and mobility training.
In July Jyothirgamaya came up with yet another surprisingly unique Idea! “Dine In The dark”. The programme aimed at spreading awareness among the sighted about the general situation of the blind, Jyothirgamaya also wanted to take them on a new journey and enable them to feel a unique experience of the world of the blind! We wanted to spread the message that the blind need empathy and not sympathy! The programme was held at the first floor programme hall of the skyline palace court building in a posh part of the Trivandrum city on the Tenth of July. The guest of honour was the Brigade commander 91 infantry Brigade. We thank him and his fellow officer Col. Alex for gracing the occasion with their presence. An array of exotic dishes were served, the room was completely dark, and to add more spice, fire and fun to the evening we had a group of dedicated volunteers, who played some breath taking music. The programme was also covered by Manorama, and Mathrubhumi two popular media channels of Kerala. We thank Anish G S for his excellent coordination and arrangements. Jyothirgamaya also thanks Sahridhaya a partner organization of youths who also work for social causes. Without their fiery music, and efficient team work the programme would not have been such a great success. Last but not least Jyothirgamaya extends its heartfelt thanks to Samuel, a young German volunteer who has worked diligently for Jyothirgamaya, and his friend Alina another German volunteer from a nearby town in Kerala, for her participation they played a leading role in the programme. Samuel has left us now, but he will always be remembered fondly by Jyothirgamaya.
Road to Independence.. Towards the end of July we conducted yet another “Road to Independence” training at our centre in Trivandrum. We had five participants. We gave them orientation and mobility training, they were all thrilled to use a white cane for the first time! We were also joined by an international expert Mr.Swamy Nathan Pillai, who very kindly sacrificed his time to teach or participants communicative English. The class was fun with joking and interactions at regular intervals. We also explored the talents of our participants by providing them a platform to stage a small play. At the end we went on a tour to the Shanghumugham beach, where the participants not only played in the sea, but also tried their luck at horse riding. It was indeed a unique experience for each of them to ride a horse! All were truly happy.
Onam Celebration In the month of September, Jyothirgamaya celebrated Onam, one of the most popular festivals of Kerala. We invited a small group of our students, and a few well wishers. We were also joined by Mr. Sunil, head of the Community services department (State Bank Of Travancore). We all had fun, and Onam Sadhya the traditional Kerala meal was served to all, and the centre was decorated with flowers. To the land of Five River's –Punjab In Jyothirgamaya spreads its wings high, in order to reach out to every blind person in every corner. But as the proverb quotes “Life is not a bed of roses” we face some challenges all along the way. It is not often easy to reach out to the numerous blind people scattered across the state of Kerala, but we do our best. Convincing their parents to let them out of their confinements is also yet another challenging task, but never the less we don’t give up! Our goal is to reach out to the blind not only in our home state Kerala, but to spread our wings across India! . First Residential Training Course During the month of November Jyothirgamaya started it's first residential computer, Mobility and English training course with four participants.
Exposure Dialogue Visit Jyothirgamaya was proud to receive an eminent German Govt official, as part of the exposure dialogue programme (EDP) Mrs. Cornelia Henriksson, crossed the threshold of Jyothirgamaya with an immense amount of amiability. The purpose of the visit, is to understand the life situation of differently abled and marginalized people in the real world. Through the Jyothirgamaya training centre, and its mobile blind school, she was able to have a fair glimpse in to the life of the blind, which was not altogether a bed of roses. She was indeed very accommodating, positive and kind. Jyothirgamaya expresses its delight in hosting her. Road to Independence camp- Kollam Jyothirgamaya Successfully completed it's eighth Road to Independence camp at Kollam with 13 Participants. We had an intense training in orientation and mobility, introduction to angel Pro and the free screen reader NVDA. It ended with a tour to Kollam Beach.
JYOTHIRGAMAYA “ an eye to the blind “ Empowering the blind in all spheres of life www.jyothirgamayaindia.org www.facebook.com/jyothirgamaya Email : office@jyothirgamyaindia.org Ph : +91 471-6546548, +91-9037046548
By Jyothirgamaya