Gangtok, January 4, 2025:
Akashvani News Gangtok, in collaboration with the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRC), Sikkim, under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, marked World Braille Day with a landmark initiative by broadcasting a special Nepali Braille news bulletin.
The programme was organised to commemorate World Braille Day, observed on the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system that revolutionised literacy and communication for persons with visual disabilities worldwide.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative for Akashvani Gangtok, the special Nepali Braille news was read by Ms. Sonam Diki Bhutia, a visually impaired divyangjan from Gyalshing, West Sikkim. Currently working at JNM Institute for the Blind, Namchi, under the Government of Sikkim, Ms. Bhutia’s bulletin was arranged and recorded with the assistance of Shri Subash Pakhrin. The broadcast marked a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and representation of persons with visual disabilities in mainstream media.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manas Pratim Sarma, Head of Regional News Unit, Akashvani Gangtok, said that the initiative reflected Akashvani’s commitment to inclusive programming. “This is a great occasion to encourage the good work of Divyangjans. Akashvani consistently strives to create programmes for all sections of society. Ms. Sonam is highly motivated, and we are glad to have her read a special bulletin on this important day,” he said.
Smt. Pushpanjali Gupta, Director, CRC Sikkim, highlighted the importance of Braille as a vital medium of communication for persons with visual disabilities. She described Braille as a bridge between the visually impaired and the sighted world, crediting Louis Braille for transforming lives through his invention. Recounting his inspiring journey, she noted that despite losing his eyesight at a young age and facing initial resistance, Louis Braille’s perseverance brought literacy and dignity to millions.
Referring to the special broadcast, Smt. Gupta stated that the initiative demonstrated that Sikkim is at the forefront of empowering persons with visual disabilities. “Our visually impaired citizens are working hand in hand with the sighted world as equal contributors to society. The fact that they can read the news in Nepali Braille on a platform like Akashvani Gangtok is a milestone and a matter of great pride,” she said.
She expressed her gratitude to Shri Manas Pratim Sharma, Assistant Director, Akashvani Gangtok, for his collaboration, and thanked Dr. Lalit Narayan, Director, National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), Kolkata, for his support. She also acknowledged the contributions of Ms. Sonam Diki Bhutia and the JNM Institute for the Blind, Government of Sikkim.
Sharing her experience, Ms. Sonam Diki Bhutia described the broadcast as a unique and memorable moment, stating that she had never undertaken such an assignment before. She conveyed her heartfelt thanks to Akashvani Gangtok and CRC Sikkim for providing her with the opportunity.
The special broadcast stood as a powerful message of inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunity, reinforcing the spirit of World Braille Day and Sikkim’s commitment to the dignity and capabilities of persons with visual disabilities.
