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EDITORIAL: LIGHT WITHIN Ashoke Chowdhury
Visionless are vision-oriented. Outer vision enables the candidate to see the delightful beauty of the environment but more delightful is the inner light that even a sightless person may have as focused from the third eye in between the two brows of the human organism. Dr. Hellen Keller had that the inner vision with which her consciousness was awakened. She could proceed with triumphant march to her cherished target with the magic touch of Anne Sullivan. Homer composed his greatest epic with inner light, although he had no vision. Keats, the great romantic poet expressed in his “Ode to Homer” “that there is triple light in blindness keen.” Beethoven, although hearing impaired heard the inner melody of the heart and composed delightful Symphony. The Sages and saints closed their eyes while they concentrated their span of attention on the third eye. In course of continued meditation they listen to the inner melody emanating from Shohosro Chokro in the human brain. The more they concentrate, the more they are lifted to the higher spiritual region. Infact above the Pindodesh and Bramhandesh there are many upper regions where the golden king of the Universal Kingdom is existing. Through devoted contemplation Guru Nanak, Kabir, Radhaswami Saheb and Baba Sawan Singh could reach the Doyal Desh across the region of Alakh and Agam. We may remember Tagore’s beautiful devotional composition, “Kandale tumi more bhaobasarir Ghaye, Tomari Abhisare Jabo agomo Pare.” Infact these saints had seen the ocean of light radiating from the Universal father and they have dived into that ocean of light emanating from the perennial source of bubbling joy leading them to the Sanctum and Sanctorum, the abode of bliss and peace. To this context we may remember Bishop’s statement in La Miserable written by Victor Hugo in which Bishop says to the Convict, “Remember my Son, this poor human body is the temple of living God.” We, the ignorant people pay visit to the temple or church or mosque in search of God but the Supreme power is within this human frame. The more we meditate deeply concentrating upon the third eye between the two brows, we may listen to the sound current emanating from the Supreme Power. This sound current has magnetic attraction to take the meditator to the region of Doyal Desh, where the Universal King is existing in the paradise of love and peace. We have to lift ourselves with the help of the sound current that leads us to be reunited with the universal father for perpetual happiness and peace with no chance of rebirth. This is infact the genuine goal of life. Rebirth means to be united with pains and sorrows and accumulation of our misdeeds that opens the gate of rebirth. So Visually Impaired may be deprived of outer vision but their heart is illuminated with inner vision, which may lead them to genuine consciousness of the human brain through education, contemplation and culture. --------------
Review on Joan Tiller A Deaf-blind American Lady Ashoke Chowdhury
Joan had marfan’s syndrome, a congenital hereditary condition characterized by a partial dislocation of the Crystalline lens in the eye’s interior, miosis (very small pupils). Sometime it is associated with hearing loss according to optometric testing. Her vision remained stable for the past twenty years and was measured as 20/100 with the best corrective lens. It meant Joan must see an object from twenty feet distance what normally-sighted could see an object at a distance of hundred feet only. Since her acuity was better than 20/200 and her peripheral vision included more than 20 degrees, she was not legally blind. In fact severe stigmatism tends scattered bright light. Her hearing loss was sensorineural (nerve-deafness), a deterioration of some part of the intricate inner ear. This loss is similar to the decline that many people experience during old age. In Joan’s case, the loss became problematic when she was a teen-ager. Joan had a self-confidence to proceed further in her studies, both in the school and college level. Thus she graduated herself and got engaged in rehabilitation programme as community as she refused to use a white cane or assert her communication needs in meetings and preferred not to talk about any emotional effects of her disabilities. According to her opinion acceptance of disability is a submission and she did not want to submit, on the contrary, she denied her disability to avoid pity from the normally sighted society. In fact, Joan’s vision and hearing impairment fit into no neat classification. When she was four years old, she poked right eye with a fork, damaging the cornea. She retained some vision in the eye. But it no longer functioned properly in co-ordination with her left eye. She did not know what depth perception was. The right eye was surgically removed when she was twenty five and replaced with a plastic prosthesis. When she was eight years old she developed conical cornea in her left eye, condition in which the normally spherical outer layer of the eye is cone shaped preventing the eye from refracting light properly. For a few years deposite of “bubles and films” on the cornea blocked her pupil. Joan was then thirty seven years old and single. She was nice looking and difficult to place in any age category, she seemed to fit in well before both older and younger than herself. She grew up in New York attending State Residential School for the blind and graduated from a small state college with a B.A. degree in sociology. She worked for eight years as writer and editor for the public affairs of a scientific research institute near New York city. Two years later when she graduated from college she was truly at a low point. She could not do anything what she planned. Her hearing was bad enough that she could not imagine coping with graduate school. As a result she could not score good grades. At the same time her right eye was a problem. It was painful and caused double vision, because it was clouded over like an eye with Glaucoma. The doctor advised her to have it removed. Joan was basically relieved to get rid of it, but the recuperation period was some what traumatic. She spent about a year at home and was unable to find a job before she started working at the research institute. Joan worked at the research institute from 1966-1974. Her vision remained stable, as it had been all trough college, but her hearing continued to decline. Most of the time a new hearing aid would help but with the cumulative effects she could never recover what she lost. For six or seven years she was able to hear well enough to interview people for an in-house newspaper for research institute employees, and she could still use the telephone but gradually she lost her hearing ability although she used new hearing aid to amplify low-pitch sound. It appears from above description that sometime she lost her hearing ability and gained it to some extent with constant fluctuating visual problem. But she did not accept her disabilities, on the country encountered them with courage and fortitude. She never carried a blind person’s cane as a mobility cue instead she followed the cues of other pedestrians or relied on her vision after using her spy glass to determine the colour of traffic lights. She preferred to walk several blocks out of her way to cross a regulated intersection. She admitted that as she could not perceive the depth, she sometimes spent several minutes waiting for cars parked half a block away to pass. Her spy glass was magnifying what was straight ahead. She could normally be able to see with peripheral vision. Thus she advanced with smiling face to traverse the stumbling blocks lying on her way. She believed to get adjusted to her disabilities rather than submitting herself to the same. If her denial or rejection caused her a certain amount of added frustration, it might also provide the impetus to remain as self-sufficient and normal as she could. She proceeded in a zigzag way--sometimes loosing vision and regaining and sometimes loosing hearing and regaining. She lost job and found it again as she could cope with her present impairment different from most of the people, who got depressed dealing with its emotional effects. Watching her travel or in a meeting, coaxing her to discuss emotional rejection, one becomes frustrated because she seems to ignore reality. Ultimately one must acknowledge that she has found an effective way of dealing with her situation and respect her for it. She sums up philosophy “I think the best plan is to do the best you can stop stewing”. Indeed Joan Tiller is a mysterious lady, who attempts to stand on life even with her bleeding heart. Every man can follow her example that infuses courage and living spirit into him or her with double impairment. I agree to her philosophy of life that acceptance of disability means submission to disability but the best way is to encounter and challenge them in order to pluck fruits of his or her abilities. --------------
MY SEVEN DAYS VISIT AT LONDON
Travelling abroad has always been a common man’s dream. The landscape, climate, people, food and every minute thing related to the place captivates one’s mind so much so that he or she desires to visit that place and explore new areas of interest. Europe is one such dream destination and especially London. Unlike others I have never felt thrilled for traveling to London. Perhaps the reason behind this may be my age which was unable to understand the importance of the place or appreciate the beauties hidden here and there. It was in 1997 when I had visited London for a twenty days Scouting Camp. During that time the only thing, which reigned supreme in my mind was the taste of freedom which I had relished for the first time being away from home. But things have changed a lot now and when I visited London on 19th March 2010 it was an altogether a new experience for me. I went there to represent my organization named National Association for the Blind, West Bengal, the single largest NGO serving the Blind in India since 1952. Every year the residential Bengali community of London organize a festival of happiness and call it as the London Anando Utsav. I being the Secretary of National Association for the Blind, West Bengal was specially invited to attend this wonderful event. My heart was overwhelmed to receive the warmth and hospitality of the residents and organizers of this Utsav. I on behalf of my organization had put up a stall at the Alexandra Palace from the 19th-21st March 2010. My sole motto behind it was to sensitize the people regarding the potentialities of the Visually Challenged Persons. The sweeping tides of modernity has revolutionized our lives but still we nurse illogical beliefs in our mind. A blind person is not a burden on our society but like his other fellow mates he too have dreams to fulfill and heights to reach. I received positive reactions from my friends at London regarding this. This trip was an eye opener for me too as a realized that the status of the blind people is quite advanced here. The footpaths are embossed in order to facilitate a blind person’s mobility. Other than this there is a button at every crossing so that a blind persons can cross the road freely. The roads are clean and pollution-free. I visited special institutions related to Blindness and updated my knowledge with their latest technological developments and facilities. The food was mind blowing and I tasted both Bengali and European dishes. The king Burgers were quite delicious. The most adventurous thing I did here was to board a rickshaw. The rickshaw was beautiful and comfortable and was similar to a big sofa. It took us from Oxford Square to Trafalgar Square. Apart from this the chillness of the North Sea rejuvenated my mind to its fullest content. It was a wonderful journey for me as I could understand the beauty of the place in the true sense of the term.
DR. KANCHAN GABA LL.M., Ph.D SECRETARY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, WEST BENGAL. --------------
EXPERIENCE OF A SIGHTLESS PERSON IN KUMBHA MELA
Amongst the Hindus ‘Kumbha Fair’ is a special holy occasion. According to mythological story--during churning of sea by Gods and demons nectar appeared from the sea in a pitcher. Jayanto, son of Indra took the said pitcher, full of nectar to heaven. During the journey, he placed the pitcher in four places--such as Prayag, Nasic, Ujjain and Hardwar. According to mythology, one single day of god means twelve years on earth. During placing of the said pitcher--full of nectar, a portion of nectar fell on those places, namely Prayag, Nasic, Ujjain and Hardwar. Therefore hindus believe that if one takes holy bath and those places after each twelve years, he will be immortal or he will not born again. This is the history of ‘Kumbha Fair’, which takes place after each twelve years. Speciality of this fair is lacs of lacs pilgrims take bath in the Ganges or the rivers at Nasik and Ujjain. Pilgrims take holy dip with the belief that it would make them free from re-birth. This year ‘Kumbha Fair’ is at Hardwar at the bank of Ganges. So long I have heard many stories about this fair. I got opportunity to visit the ‘Kumbha Fair’ for the purpose to take holy dip. There are certain auspicious time which 15 known as ‘Shahi Dip’. But to avoid mad rush of the saint, Nagas and other pilgrims, we went during Good Friday holiday. At that time also we could feel the rush of the people. Always lost and found of different person, came from all over India, were being announced in mike. I could hear holy music--like Bhajans, Probochon from the loudspeaker--I have been told that all places are decorated nicely by the light. The holy saints are staying in their camps. There I could hear Ramayan Songs and some holy chants. Next day at about 8 O’clock in the morning we went to ‘Hor-ki-Pouri’, the famous ghat. There I could feel several persons were running to take holy dip, by pushing me. At last we could get chance to take bath. Water was too cold. I was shivering at first, after the initial first dip, coldness became bearable. I took further four or five dips. I could feel that this holy bath together with saints and pilgrims is also a great luck for me. I do not know, whether there is re-birth after this life. I also do not know whether man can earn virtue only by a bath, but I feel myself lucky by attending this ‘Moha Kumbha Fair’. This unity of all mankind. I felt every moment that in India there is unity in diversity. I return to my home city with electrified experience. By-- Soumendra Nath Lahiri ---------------
Vision Care Scenario Past--Present--Future? Prof. (Dr.) I.S. Roy MBBS, DO, DOMS, FRCS, FRCO (Lond) Director Netra Sevasram
Since 1951 I am working with a mission of prevention and removal of avoidable blindness. Vision care not so important then, in fact it was mainly surgical cases of cataract and so the subject was a part of “Surgery”. The main causes of vision related problem were. 1. Cataract, 2. Glaucoma, 3. Malnutrition blindness, 4. Optrthalmia Neonatorum i.e. gonococcal Ophthalmia of the newborn, 5. Injury. The approximate figure of blindness then was 50 lacs. Cataract cases were tackled then by Doctors coming from North India. Though the success rate was never 100% yet those eye camps were very popular as each patient got a blanket as donation. In 15 years time many changes could be seen--In medical course the “Eye” become a separate Subject from “Surgery”. The census figure revealed blindness figure to be 65 lacs. At the time mass Eye camps were held by NGOS. The mass Eye camps needed “permission” from the Health Dept. New Eye hospitals were established. Eye Departments of medical Colleges are upgraded. From 1970 Vision care got the political support. Prevention of blindness was in Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s 20 point programme. Then came NPCB. By this time the blind population became 90 lacs. Govt. and NGO started going deep in to the rural out reach area with their mobile units and doctors for removal of avoidable blindness. Then there was Alma Ata declaration of “Health for All” by the year 2000; at that time there were blinds per 1000 population. We are sorry to say that slogan “Health for All” failed; reason being increase in cataract due to increase in longivity. However we gladly felt that Keratomalacia figure is low, Ophthalmia neonatirum was nil, Small Pox blindness was nil. Many new ailments are noticed like Viral and fungal keratitis, Diabetes affection eye, age related macula degeneration, retiopathy of prematurity etc. We fore saw a bleak future and estimated that the blindness figure of 1, 2 million will be doubled in 12 years time. So the new slogun of vision 2020 i.e. Right to sight has been started. Special attention was given on man power development, Infrastructure, prevention of childhood blindness. To start with Cataract surgery is now a routine IOL implantation. Now it has reached to phaconit level from the 1st operation of couching by Surat. In the mile stone Harold Rideley for IOL and Kelman for Phaco emulsifications need be mentioned. The Rs. 60 per Cataract operation has now become almost 600 or more; even Govt, and NGOS agreed to this price hike. Reason is improved quality of Vision and affordability. Public at large is keen for phaco IOL. They even don’t know what phaco is Patient Community at large has been given this idea through unhealthy counseling. In course of time the public at large has been motivated for more expensive treatment—Why not. If the medical insurance is paying the bill. The surgeons are responsible for motivation. 90% of Patients are illiterate so they are the victim. In case of glaucoma the investigations are Auto Perimetry, OCT, HRT etc and the drugs costing Rs. 32 is changed to Rs. 320 there are many more surgical marvels coming in the form of refractive surgery like Lasik, Lasek etc. There is marvelous advancements in post segment, PDT, TTT, IVTA etc. are very commonly used. Laser therapy has totally replaced the xenon lamp photo coagulation. Imaging process is also changing towards accurate visualization. All these advancements are only possible with sky high expense. In recent time all the super speciality have formed a society of their own and there are frequent conferences to exchange their views. At every steep “Expense” has become a painful stumble particularly for the “Mass” at large. So let us be careful against the commercialization of Eye Health Care. We shall have to fulfil the slogan “RIGHT to SIGHT by 2020”. ---------------
AMBLYOPIA Dr. P.K. Chatterjee MBBS, DOMS, MS Consultant, Susrut Eye Foundation And Research Centre, Salt Lake, Kolkata
Introduction: The term Amblyopia (blunt eye) is generally restricted to denote reduced vision in an eye in the absence of any opthalmoscopically detachable retinal anomaly or any disorder of afferent visual pathway which might cause the defect (Duke Elder, 1972). Von Graefe defined amblyopia as the condition in which the observer sees nothing and patient sees very little. The Amblyopia Treatment Study (ATS) defined amblyopia as a visual acuity of 20/40 or worse. Amblyopia is the most frequent cause of visual impairment in children and young adult with an overall prevalence of 1 to 5% in most population. It is the most common cause of preventable blindness and nearly all amblyopic visual loss is reversible with timely detection and appropriate treatment. Delay in diagnosis of amblyopia leads to children becoming unnecessarily unit for technical and professional jobs thereby having disastrous effects on employment and career options. “This enormous number of people suffering from a serious visual defect is grave economic and social matter and that it should be tolerated with complacency is a depressing reflection of neglect shown by modern civilization towards its human material” (Franceschetti et al, 1968). In India amblyopia affects approximately one to four percent of children. It is unfortunate that till date, there are no are studies available at national level which can provide data regarding the ocular morbidity due to amblyopia. Pathophysiology: Awareness regarding the effect of amblyopia on children is very low even among the literate persons in our country. Around the age of 2 to 4 weeks, the developing functional anatomic organization of the visual system is markedly influenced by visual experiences both uniocular and binocular. Monoocular or Binocular visual deprivation, squint, anisometropia (difference of refraction between two eyes) or abnormal visual environment during this period results in significant electrophysiological and anatomical abnormalities in striate cortex and leteral geneculate nucleus of brain. There are losses in the number of cells responsive to the deprived eye, a loss of binocular responsive cells, shrinkage of cells in the lateral geneculate laminal serving the deprived eye and significant abnormalities in the responsive qualities of the cells that remain throughout life. Treatment: Amblyopia should be treated as early as possible because success is greater when treatment is instituted at the earliest and success rate decline with increasing age. The period during which vision of an amblyopic eye can be improved is usually up to 7-8 years in Strabismic amblyopia and may be longer for Anisometropic amblyopia when good binocular vision is present. However all children should be considered for treatment of amblyopia regardless of age. Treatment options are:-- 1. Refractive error correction and correction of ocular abnormality: Refractive error correction done can improve vision in 25% to 33% of patients. 2. Occlusion Therapy: Occlusion of normal eye to encourage use of the amblyopic eye is the most effective treatment, the standard method, and main stay in the treatment in amblyopia. The may be:-- (a) Total or partial (b) Conventional or inverse (c) Full time or part time (d) Continual There is neither a substitute nor a short cut for full time occlusion in the treatment of amblyopia despite recent recommendations of the amblyopic study group. Occlusion of sound eye with an adhesive skin patch is perhaps the most effective means of therapy. Success rate varies from 30% to 92% in various studies as reported in the literature. If there is no improvement after 6 month of effective occlusion further treatment is unlikely to be fruitful. Poor compliance is the single greatest barrier to improvement. 3. Penalization: It is a method performed by optically defocusing the eye with better vision by using cycloplegia like atropine or by using lens to cause decreased vision in the non-amblyopic eye. 4. Drug Therapy: Drugs like Strychnine, Vitamin B, Barbiturates, Ethanol, Levo-dopa, Citicoline, have been tried. Levo-dipa has been shown to improve visual acuity in children and in adults. Citicoline has also been claimed to improve visual acuity of both amblyopic and dominant eyes. Even contrast sensivity improves significantly. 5. CAM stimulator: Almost outdated now a days. 6. Pleoptics: Advocated by Bangarter. The only indication is a co-operative amblyopic child older than 6 years or more having eccentric fixation. Here the eccentrically fixing retinal areas are dazzled with bright light while protecting the force with a disc projected into the fundus and intetmittent stimulation of the maculi with flashes of light. 7. Home Vision Therapy: 8. Surgery: Surgery is done in some cases to treat the cause of amblyopia. Amblyopia being a major public health problem, as the visual impairment is life long which requires care, diligence and good compliance from parents for its management. Its management needs a multi-disciplinary approach involving pediatricians, opthalmologists, optometrists, general practitioners and teachers. Refractive error correction and occlusion is still the standard and preferred treatment modality for amblyopia. The follow up visits should be adjusted keeping in mind the age of the child, traveling distance, severity and socio-economic condition of the family. ---------------
When Glasses are Annoying Prof. (Dr.) Sankar Kumar Pal HOD, Eye Dept, IPGME and R Kolkata--700020
Science is dynamic. In every sphere of life science is predominating because of its dynamicity and diversity in the noble cause of allevation of human sufferings. Just as a child grows and grows old there are many things in science, which becomes “old” and newer things emerge. Science the era of Charak and Sushruta medical science is changing in all its dimensions. Same is true for Ophthalmology so far its development in connection with visual defects particularly the correction of refractive errors is concerned. Correction of refractive errors by glasses is an age old fact. In 1623 Daza De Valdes recommended use of spects for refractive errors. Subsequently came Contact lenses and refractive surgeries with or without the use of lasers. Now-a days, intraocular lenses are being used for such correction. Intraocular lenses are primarily used as substitute after removing natural lenses which became cataractous. But probably it is not known amongst many of us that IOLs can also be used for correction of defects of power as a substitute of glass. When glass is annoying to a person be it for its disadvantage of wearing in a crowded vehicle or be it for having cosmetic disfigurement of sides of nose, faces a whole etc. or be it for problems for changing after one or two years which requires a recurrent expenditure, or any other reason these IOLs are often the right alternative option to avoid them. Once fitted, in uncomplicated, one doesnot have to face any botheration for removing during having bath, boarding on a crowded bus etc. Yes, there are certain limitations as well. Sometimes, they provide cosmetic relief also. Hence, let us welcome the newer development. Of course, practically speaking, these are not very new. In 1954 B. Strampelli, an Italian Scientist worked on this subject and placed these corrective lenses in front of the natural lens inside the eye to compensate for the deficit. He was not very successful. In 1985 or around Fyodorov and his coworkers picked up a new idea regarding this and correctly modified the method to achieve success. These are called the “Phakic Refractive lenses” (PRL) implantation. Initially lot of complications came up, Viz; Opacification of natural lens or its capsule, corneal damage, night glare, inflammatory reactions and many others. Every adventure is painful initially but is rewarded ultimately, if sincerity and devotion is incorporated in the Endeavour. This is the present day status of PRI. These are now being successfully implanted in human eyes. Now the question comes up--who are the suitable candidates for such implantation? The patients having--6.00D to--22.00D power may have PRL implantation done in their eyes. PRL may also be implanted for the patients who are having +3.00D to +16.00D defects. There are other indications like correction for malcorrected cases treated by other modern procedures including Lasik. Candidates having Cataract, Lens subluxation, Glaucoma, Cornel pathology, Vitreo-Retinal problems requiring Post. Segment intervention, are not suitable for such surgeries. Persons aged more than 55 years are also not suitable for PRL implantation. Pre-operatives requirements: It will be decided by the consultants concerned but usually apart from routine preoperative measures, precise refraction and axial length, Keratometric calculations are required. Around 2 weeks before operation two small peripheral perforations in the Iris are made by Laser or manually at the time of operation proper. Routine Blood tests, ECG, urine tests are also done. Proper local broad spectrum antibiotics are advised to be used at least 3 days before operation. Pupil should be dilated (at least 5mm). Anesthesia: No GA is required except in specific special situations. Handling the Implant: The PRL implants are available in plastic cases in sterile state, Sterility must be maintained till the end of whole surgery scrupulously. The lens must be grasped with forceps in proper manner while introducing inside the eye to avoid complications. I hope, there is no scope for describing the surgical steps here in this article. The reader is requested to consult any modern text book on the subject if details are required. The lens is placed very very carefully behind the Iris in its proper position. PRL procedure is safe if done efficiently and carefully, even in pediatric cases specially those having high unilateral Myopia PRL can be implanted to avoid Amblyopia instead of forcing the child to use Contact lenses or spectacles of high power. It must be remembered, however, that any procedure has got its own limitations. One must not jump into a decision. I must say that “New” must be welcomed but don’t consider that the “New” can bold out the “Old” altogether. Accept the new if your doctor recommends and if you feel the glasses to be really “annoying”. --------------
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL NEWS
It is pleasant to note that National Association for the Blind, West Bengal has received affiliation from the West Bengal State Council of Technical Education for providing Computer Training to the sightless at 63, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, Kolkata--700016. This is for the first time in West Bengal that National Association for the Blind, West Bengal has received affiliation from the West Bengal State Council of Technical Education to conduct this Computer Training. Seven Visually Challenged Persons appeared at the Practical examination on Computer on 17th January 2010 at 63, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, Kolkata--700016 in presence of an external examiner. Written examination of the said candidates was conducted at Maulana Azad College on 31st January 2010. Results are yet to be out. Still candidates are expected to come out in flying colours. Fashion show was organized at Hyatt International, Salt Lake on 31st January 2010 on integrated level. Galaxy of film stars, cricketers and other dignitaries namely Juhi Chawla, Arjun Rampal, Kiran Kher, Sourav Ganguly, Pauli Dham, P.C. Sarkar, Mamta Sankar, Mithun Chakroborty, Gautam Mohan Chakroborti, Police Commissioner of Kolkata along with his wife, June Maliah, Deep Dasgupta, Ranadev Basu, Riddhiman Saha graced the occasion by their august presence. It was a pleasant experience for the three blind ladies to walk on the ramp together with distinguished celebrities. The activity by National Association for the Blind, West Bengal was highlighted by our President Gautam Mohan Chakroborti and Sourav Ganguly. It was a unique programme praised and appreciated by one and all. Needless to say that different media took important role in highlighting the event. NAB had a thrilling experience at Alexandra Palace at London on and from 19th-26th March 2010. This was jointly organized by London Kalibari and Anando Bazar Patrika Pvt. Ltd. and our Secretary, Dr. Kanchan Gaba exhibited the activities of the association at a stall for the enlightenment and enjoyment of English and Bengali visitors.
LOCAL NEWS OF VOICE OF WORLD
(1) Twelve visually impaired students had undergone computer training course sponsored by Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, Govt. of India. The course started on 1st April 2009 and continued upto 31st March 2010. Twelve candidates appeared at the practical exam and result is yet to be out. (2) Mr. Abhijit Mondal one of our beneficiaries appeared at Public Exam on District Primary Education under Board of Primary Education, Govt. of West Bengal and came out successful. It is our pleasure that Mr. Mondal has been appointed as a primary school teacher in a regular school in the month of 2010. (3) A free medical camp was organized by the Voice of World on 21st March, 2010 at Santighat, 24-Parganas. General health check up, free medicine distribution, Eye care, Dental care, E.C.G., Skin treatment were provided to 200 beneficiaries belonging to the poverty level in the village. Free distribution of medicine was done by the institution. To this context it will not be out of place to mention that same type of health camp was organized at Ghoramara Island near Sagardwip in the remotest part of the South 24-Parganas. Nearly 500 poor villagers were offered this chance to take the benefit of this camp at free of cost on 21st February 2010. (4) The institution also observed the international day of mother language on 21st February 2010 as announced by UNO. There were interactions between the blind students and the interact club on this occasion highlighting the importance of mother tongue.
LOCAL NEWS OF SVH
Forthcoming events to be hosted by SVH 1. SVH Hellen Keller Deaf-blind Awareness Workshop will be hosted on June 25, 2010 at the auditorium of the State Central Library West Bengal, Kankurgachi, Kolkata 54. Time 11a.m.-3p.m. Topic: Brailler Operation, Brailler maintenance and computerized Braille Production Set up. 2. Rafting and Kayaking training for Blind and Visually Impaired at Rishikesh, Uttaranchal, October 23.10.2010.
NATIONAL NEWS
Braille Council of India held 3rd general meetings at NIVH, Dehradun on September 2008, March 2009 and last meeting was held on 20th March 2010 for promotion of Braille training on scientific line and development of Braille code. The matter of undertaking the project entitled “Review of Bharati Braille” was pursued with AICB, Delhi. In response the institute wrote a letter in which AICB suggested the institute undertake the project at its own premises of NIVH and Requested the AICB to reconsider the addition to undertake the project. However, finally AICB communicated reluctance to the institute for conducting the project. Production of Video-Film on teaching Braille: Towards making an educational film on the subject of Braille teaching methodologies, the institute approached Mass Communication Department, Jamia Milia Islamia University, Delhi and EMPC Ignu with consistent efforts and persuasion positive response could be evoked from EMPC Ignu. The nodal officer appointed by the department has visited the institute twice and held discussion with a number of officers. All preparations have been completed for signing and MoU with the agency. Upgrading Braille capacity of special schools: The proposal for funding under PWD Scheme is pending with the Ministry. The Chair-person has taken up with RCI the council’s recommendation for reducing period fixed for re-registration from existing 7 to 5 years with proven competence in Braille in respect of professionals working with the blind, specially, special education teacher.
WORLD NEWS
(I) The first meeting of the World Braille Council was held in Madrid, Spain on November 5th and 6th 2009. The following are some of the tasks, which the W.B.C. set forth for itself at this meeting and for which working committees were established-- (a) To examine the differences between the representations of Mathematics and Science in various countries. (b) To develop a comprehensive data base of existing international Braille research and teaching materials which can be available to future researchers and teachers. W.B.C. conference will be held next time in Germany in 2011. (II) 13th World conference update: Work is underway to organize the 13th World conference of ICEVI in Jontien, Thailand from 9th to 13th August 2010. 450 abstracts have been received, which are being reviewed by the programme committee of the conference. Limited sponsorship is available for persons from developing countries. Selection of abstracts for presentation is one of the criteria for sponsorship. The regional chairperson of the specific region may be contracted for sponsorship details. The early registration ends on March 10, 2010. You can pay your registration fee by credit card too. Log on to the ICEVI website: www.icevi.org to know more about the conference. (III) Awards committee of the World Blind Union invites nomination for selecting a maximum of three persons to be the quadrennial recipients of its International Excellence Award. The award will be presented at the 13th World conference in Jontien, Thailand in August 2010. Each ICEVI region is invited to submit to the awards committee the nominees, who meet the following criteria-- (a) Have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of education of blind and low-vision persons that has had impact beyond their own school or organization. (b) Have made a significant and long lasting contribution to ICEVI. Nominations should be prepared in an abstract that does not exceed two single space type-written ¼ pages. This document should explain how the person meets these criteria and why they should be worthy recipients. -----------------
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