Shining a Light on Resilience at Captain Chandan Lal School

Stepping into a world where sight is replaced by an extraordinary vision, our visit to the blind school opened my eyes to the remarkable strength and resilience that exists beyond the darkness. On 29 August 2024 we paid a visit to Captain Chandan Lal Special Middle School for the Blind in Gurgaon, supported by the All-India Confederation of the Blind and to say the least it was such a surreal experience. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with the inspiring students and staff.

Nestled in the rural village of Berhampur, Gurgaon, Haryana, there's a unique residential school that stands as a beacon of hope and learning for blind children. This school was established with the generous support of the local community and the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

School offers free education to over 100 blind children, from preschool to class 8, and provides a holistic learning experience that extends well beyond the classroom. Students actively participate in co-curricular activities, often competing successfully with their peers from regular schools. The school features a touch-and-tell museum where students can explore stuffed birds, animals, and tactile models, enriching their understanding of the world. It also has a unique Resource Centre that provides specially adapted devices for subjects like Science, Mathematics, and Geography, sourced both locally and internationally. Beyond academics, students receive training in Yoga, Judo, Calisthenics, Music, Dance, and Dramatics, ensuring they develop well-rounded skills.

Our visit to the school was truly eye-opening. We learned how the combination of dots in Braille empowers these students to keep pace with their peers, and how specialized software converts every keystroke into speech, enabling them to use technology with remarkable ease. It was a powerful reminder that while setbacks may delay opportunities, with determination, they can still be seized.

The museum, showcasing tactile models of animals and trees, made us realize how much these children miss out on experiencing the beauty of nature. Yet, their enthusiasm and innocence shone through during our interactions, especially when our team provided lunch that time and spent time with them during their break.

One moment that stood out was when I asked a young girl what she wanted to be when she grew up. Her answer, "a science teacher," was both inspiring and humbling. Later, in the music room, another student played the harmonium and sang a song that touched our hearts. It was a beautiful reminder that with the right support, every individual has the potential to lead a life of dignity and quality.

Our visit to the Captain Chandan Lal Special Middle School for the Blind was a profound experience, revealing the boundless potential that thrives within these young students. Despite the challenges they face, their resilience, enthusiasm, and aspirations shine brightly, reflecting the power of determination and the impact of a nurturing environment. Witnessing their talents, from academic pursuits to musical performances, reinforced the belief that with the right support, every child can achieve their dreams. This school is not just a place of learning; it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibilities that lie beyond the darkness.

As a team, we are proud to have contributed to this cause, reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility. We encourage others to join us in this journey, as together, we can learn, grow, and create a more inclusive world for everyone. Let’s work hand in hand to make a positive impact.