In Uttar Pradesh, this year’s Raksha Bandhan celebrations carried a deeper message about inclusion and accessibility in education. At a special gathering, Governor Anandiben Patel tied rakhis to visually impaired children, underscoring the need for empathy, community support, and equal opportunities in learning.

The event, organized by Rajesh Singh Dayal under the Rajesh Foundation, brought smiles to many young faces. Discussions during the programme highlighted the urgent requirement for expanding access to specialised education from trained teachers and modern facilities to inclusive classroom settings that enable visually impaired students to participate fully in academic life.

Educators present stressed that such initiatives should not remain confined to a few districts but become part of a wider policy push. “We need to create a framework where every visually impaired child can study alongside their peers with dignity and the right support systems,” said one teacher. Governor Patel praised Rajesh Singh Dayal for his dedication to the welfare of differently-abled children and lauded his commitment to their education and empowerment.

The programme also featured cultural performances by the children, a reminder that talent and creativity flourish when provided with the right encouragement. For many present, the day became a call to strengthen inclusive education models so that no child’s dreams are limited by their disability.

Enrolment and Accessibility Challenges

• School Enrollment among the Visually Impaired
  According to a 2021 Media India Group report, only about 29.16% of visually impaired individuals in India are enroled in the education system, and fewer than half of those end up employed despite actively seeking jobs.

• Accessibility Gaps in Schools
  Shockingly, just 6.86% of schools in India have access to essential tools like Braille books or audio-based learning systems to support visually impaired students.

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