BLIND but with Full of VISION! With the Theme “Ability in Disability”, the SAHODAYA’ of St Aloysius College, Mangaluru, soon to be Deemed to be University, trying to sensitize the idea that individuals with disabilities possess unique talents, skills, and abilities that can be recognized and celebrated FELICITATED Four Persons, on Saturday, 20 January 2024 at LCRI Hall, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru at 10 am at the programme named ‘ EYECONIC 2024’, a platform where FOUR visually challenged achievers share their life stories, experiences and achievements. An inspirational interactive session with visually impaired individuals who have accomplished remarkable feats that challenge the achievements of those with fullsight. In addition, an alumnus of St Aloysius College, Anvith Kumar who has a blindness disability was also honored on the occasion.
“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision. For the most part, I feel comfortable with what I’ve given to the people. I want to give it to them again. Blind don’t mean you can’t, you know, listen. God gave me life to continue to do things that I would never have done. I am all for anything that is going to better equip a person who is physically challenged in any way, to have an opportunity to be able to do what they can do. Sometimes, I feel I am blessed to be blind because I probably would not last a minute if I were able to see things” .- Visually Impaired American Singer-Songwriter, Musician, and Record Producer Stevland Hardaway Morris known professionally as STEVIE WONDER
Mangaluru: In a world that often relies heavily on the visual, we have individuals who have mastered the art of seeing with the heart. Their senses are finely tuned instruments that read the symphony of life in ways many of us can only imagine. They have cultivated an unparalleled ability to listen, feel, and perceive the world in ways that extend far beyond the limitations of the visible spectrum. SAHODAYA today has brought us together not merely as a community bound by courage, and determination, but with an unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit. But to celebrate individuals with distinct abilities. Because at Sahodaya they believe that the absence of sight does not diminish one’s brilliance; it only illuminates the extraordinary strength that lies within.
With the Theme “Ability in disability” SAHODAYA is trying to sensitize the idea that individuals with disabilities possess unique talents, skills, and abilities that can be recognized and celebrated. And the audience to celebrate these remarkable individuals gathered here today—who are true beacons of courage, ambassadors of resilience, and masters of the extraordinary. The programme began with a thematic song/prayer composed by St Aloysius College student Rohan, which was followed by a welcome address by Dr Alwyn d’sa, the Registrar of St Aloysius College, who elaborately briefed about Sahodaya, and the concept of honouring these five persons with disabilities, even though they are BLIND but have full of VISION, to do more than what they have achieved till now, trying to make a difference and prove the world, the words of Singer Singer Stevie Wonder ” Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision”!
Following the inauguration by the lighting of the traditional lamp and unveiling of a frame of four renowned international persons who had created history around the world, the chief guest of the programme Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, the Principal of St Aloysius College (Autonomous) said, ” If you lose vision you will lose everything in life, but here we have four persons who might have lost their eyesight but still have a vision to do do great things in the future, and we need to be proud of their achievement despite their disabilities, which is nothing but marvellous and worth appreciating. We need to think of others, Mangalore Jesuit Educational Society (MJES) which runs St Aloysius College aims at the integral formation of students and tries to mould them into “men and women for and with others” who in turn will be the agents of change in forging a more just, humane, eco-friendly and gender-sensitive society. We need to be proud of these four achievers, despite disabilities have made a difference”
In his presidential address, Fr Melwin Joseph Pinto SJ, the Rector of St Aloysius Institutions, Mangaluru said, “We should remember that even though we have potential, we should never take them for granted. I have seen the talents and skills of blind folks, who unleash them with a true vision. Our four visionaries have their experiences to narrate, which will surely inspire and motivate us. They are a blessing to us, even though they face obstacles in life. We need to be proud of these four achievers, and they should not be proud of us. They are all set forth to achieve more goals in life and make a difference”
VISHAL JAIN :(Human Relation (HR) Professional)
Vishal Jain is an HR professional based out of Bangalore. With an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, Vishal has over 10 years of experience across the Automobile and Energy sectors. He is currently a Global HR Consultant with Shell and has earlier worked with Tata Motors in Mumbai. Vishal is a person with blindness and is an avid mountaineer who has climbed the Mount Everest Base Camp at 18200 FT above sea level. He has done skydiving and has jumped from a moving flight from 13,000 feet above sea level. He is also a musician and plays 6 percussion instruments. Once a school dropout, now recognised nationally for empowering lives. For over a decade, Vishal has worked with individuals with disabilities on discovering their potential, corporates on making products accessible, government on policies and researchers on solutions that are accessible to all. He is passionate about making the world more inclusive.
Mrs ARPITA CHANDRASHEKAR :(Bank Officer)
Born as Anjum Taj in Bangalore in a Muslim family she Completed her schooling at Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the blind, graduated at NMKRV College for women, studied journalism, optional English and women’s studies and completed post-graduation in special education from Madhya Pradesh Bhoj open university. Initially Started a career as a teacher. Later Served as a project coordinator for a blind women’s empowerment project and travelled across the country, working with blind women to empower them educating and creating awareness of their rights.
Participated in the formulation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in the year 2006. She represented South Asian people with disabilities. After working for the social sector for 7+ years she switched over to the IT field and served in various companies in various capacities, She joined Corporation Bank in the year as a probationary officer and was later promoted to a scale to Officer in the year 2020. Her areas of interest are chess, cricket, singing, and reading. Happily married to Mr. Chandrashekar M, they are blessed with 3 children, She later changed her name to Arpita, Chandrashekar. The interesting coincidence is she grew up as a Muslim and married a Hindu on a Christmas day.
SHREYAS REDDY : (Advocate and Social Activist)
Shreyas Reddy is an Advocate. He has obtained various degrees like MBA, MA(Sociology), LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law and B. An LL.B & I am presently pursuing PhD from Christ University. He completed his schooling and primary education in a very supportive school, Tunbridge High School, Bangalore. Further, completed his AS and A Levels in International schooling (IGCSE). Later he pursued his bachelor’s and master’s in BMS College of Law and CHRIST University. He is a practising advocate who is instrumental in providing pro bono legal services to the needy and disabled. He has interned under distinguished justices at the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka and the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, Consequently, he has provided free legal aid to various people like drivers, street vendors and volunteers.
The founder of Samatva Centre for Social Cause & he is an activist in all fields of law with special reference to disability law and Public Interest Litigations. He is a person of great talent in the fields of music, poetry and swimming. He is also awarded for his achievements in the field of education by respected dignitaries like Late Former Governor V.S. Ramadevi, Dr Thomas Chandy, H.T. Sangliana and Former Governor H.R Bharadwaj. Further, he is involved in assisting various other NGOs by being a part of their legal panel. Shreyas is an academician who believes that one must always be a student. He Believes in educating and empowering women, marginalized youth and differently-abled persons. He was the visiting and guest faculty at St Joseph College of Law. & he is also the panel advocate to the honourable High Court of Karnataka legal services authority.
Ms MEGHA PATANGI :(Accessibility Specialist)
Working as an Accessibility Specialist in Pega Systems Worldwide India for 2 years, with overall work experience of 6+ years. On the educational front, she is a qualified Company Secretary, with a part-time certification in interior design as well. She has volunteered for various NGOs working for the empowerment and employment of persons with visual impairment, like Vision Aid, Mitra Jyothi and likewise. She Assists students on Digital Accessibility and a few other ad-hoc requests. She is passionate about teaching and a few other areas which interest are cooking, travelling and connecting to new people.
ANVITH G KUMAR : (An Alumnus of St Aloysius College & a Gold Medalist Pursuing PhD at Mangalore University also Honoured on the occasion)
He worked as a guest lecturer for one month at University Degree College Hampankatta. Later transferred to PG centre Konaje and worked there till April 2023. Later selected for a Ph.D. and started my regular Ph.D. under the guidance of a Professor. Jayaraj Amin on the area of India-Sri Lanka relations. He is aiming to become an assistant professor. As part of their academic success, he learned Net, and SLET, and has done certificate courses from foreign universities and Swayam. Recently awarded with national fellowship for persons with disability for doing Ph D.
His hobbies include writing and reading books, playing the keyboard and Tabla. Participated in quizzes, and allocations and won prizes. He secured the highest marks among blinds in Karnataka in 2019, in the category of degree and received the NFB Pratibha award in 2020 from the national federation of Blind Karnataka. Received Krishna Kumari Varma Memorial Award 2023, for securing first rank among blinds in India in the category of PG. This award was given by the All India Confederation of the Blind. Represented Mangalore AkashVani in the state-level radio quiz in 2015 and got fourth place; Won prizes in district-level allocation and quiz competition; Presented a paper on women and politics in a national level seminar during degree in Kannada; Presented a paper called Women and literature in AIR Mangalore AkashVani in Kannada
Dr Charles Furtado, the Director of the Admin Block of St Aloysius College, and Founder of Sahodaya was also a dignitary on the dais. Dr Roshan F D’ souza, the staff coordinator, and a man behind this unique event proposed the vote of thanks, and as always the programme was meticulously and professionally compared by Dr Mona Mendonca, an associate professor, Dept of History, SAC.
In conclusion, to these Special Persons, I say, Imagine, for a moment, the canvas of life painted not with colours and shapes but with vivid strokes of courage, resilience, and indomitable will. While some may see obstacles, you perceive opportunities. Challenges become stepping stones, and setbacks are but moments that propel you forward. Your journey is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Remember, you are not defined by what you lack; you are defined by the boundless strength that resides within you. The power to overcome, adapt, and thrive is your birthright. Your dreams are not constrained by the absence of sight; they are liberated by the limitless potential of your spirit.
In a world often characterized by chaos and noise, your ability to find beauty in simplicity is a guiding light. Your laughter, your achievements, and your unwavering perseverance are beacons that illuminate the path for others. As we navigate the intricacies of life, let us learn from your resilience. Let us be inspired by your ability to face the unknown with a spirit unyielding to the darkness. Your journey reminds us that within every challenge lies the opportunity to discover our true strength. Your presence enriches our collective experience, and your spirit lights up the world in ways that no amount of darkness can extinguish. Thank you for gracing us with your presence and reminding us that, indeed, the human spirit knows no bounds. May your journey continue to inspire us all