INSPIRATION: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."--Helen Keller
Article and information provided by Mr. Puran Dang and IITKGP Foundation
Note From Puran--
Blindness is one of the worst curses. All over the world hundreds of millions are victim of this dreadful misfortune. Not only total blindness, millions are partially blind. Even partially blind and the Vision-Impaired face pathetic deprivation. They need help from all of us and the Society at large.
Helen Keller has been the most courageous and celebrated blind person who did not succumb to her disability. She worked hard and became an example of fortitude and perseverance for the entire humanity. She became blind soon after birth. Born in Alabama, she was accepted in the most famous Perkins School For the Blind in Watertown, Massachusetts. This two hundred year old Blind Institute is a haven for the blind and Vision-Impaired.
Helen Keller says, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched--they must be felt with the heart."
Helen traveled the world and spread her inspiration. She was such an admirable example of courage that she was showered invitations from the world famous leaders.
UPDATE: "Perkins School for the Blind Appoints Puran Dang as Member of its Corporation" Read the story, by clicking here.
In this article of INSPIRATION, we focus on Vision-Aid, which Mr. Puran Dang (IIT-Kgp 1959) is the Chairman of. The mission of Vision-Aid is to enable, educate and empower persons with vision-related disabilities so that they can live with independence and dignity. With locations across India, Vision-Aid aspires that under-served areas will eventually be able to provide a network of vision rehabilitation centers that will operate on a non-profit and charitable basis. We would like to share the story of one of the former students of Vision-Aid who has overcome all challenges in her path and has now began to give back to Vision-Aid (much in the style of IIT-Kharagpur's "Learn, Earn, Return" fundraising initiative).
A Graduation Story from Vision-Aid
Vision-Aid Website (January 7, 2020) (Click here to be taken to Vision-Aid's website)
Aditi Shah, one of Vision-Aid's former student in the programming course, graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Masters degree in Computer Science and Cyber Security. Beyond being a former student of Vision-Aid, she has many connections with Vision-Aid family. Sonal Patel, her mentor at Vision-Aid continues to be Aditi's mentor even today. Prof. Santosh Vempala of Georgia Tech, who serves on the board of Vision-Aid has also been her mentor and guide there for the past 1.5 years. He and his family have been with Aditi on her journey with their love and support.
Aditi's relationship with Vision-Aid has come to a full circle. Aditi has now started giving back to Vision-Aid. Through her work at Microsoft, using their giving program, she has generated enough funds to support two of Vision-Aid's new women scholars in Vizag. She intends to continue supporting Vision-Aid. It is a proud moment for all of the Vision-Aid family. Georgia Institute of Technology has released a short film in her honor.
