India is home to over 8 million blind people and more than 62 million people living with visual impairment, among the highest numbers in the world. According to experts, nearly one in every four blind people globally lives in India. (Source: Government of India & Vision Loss Expert Group studies)
He Never Thought He Would Finish School
Dr. Paul M. was born blind. Despite being abandoned a kid. His foster parents took over his education, and basic needs. But as a child, even crossing a road safely was a challenge. Classmates often didn't know how to help him, and he suffered multiple accidents while trying to navigate life independently. At one point, Paul believed he might never study beyond the 10th standard. Instead, he went on to become the highest-ranking differently abled student in Karnataka, earn multiple degrees, and eventually become an Assistant General Manager at Canara Bank. Someone gave him a chance. Today, he is doing the same for others.
In 2008, Paul started Snehadeep to help visually impaired children access education, hostels, technology, skill development, and employment opportunities.
A Blind Child Should Not Have To Prove Their Worth
Today, the organization supports children who would otherwise be left behind because of poverty, disability, or social stigma. Yet Paul says the biggest challenge is not blindness. It is stigma. Many visually impaired children are still hidden at home, denied education, or never given the opportunity to discover their potential. In 2019, Snehadeep started a primary school. The children wake up at 5:00 AM, practice yoga, sing prayers like "Lead Kindly Light," and are provided with food, hostel facilities, and opportunities for recreation and holistic development. In Bengaluru, the organization runs a high school centre and a computer training centre.
But The Need Is Growing Faster Than The Support
Snehadeep currently supports 58 primary school students, has directly educated nearly 3,000 individuals, and provided vital equipment and assistance to over 19,000 people. One of Dr. Paul's biggest heartbreaks is having to turn away children because there simply isn't enough space in the hostels. Every month, Snehadeep struggles to arrange Braille paper, voice recorders, transportation, food, hostel facilities, college fees, and teacher salaries.
While the organization has transformed thousands of lives, many more visually impaired children are still waiting for an opportunity. Paul says the hardest part is knowing these children need help, but not having enough resources to reach all of them.
Today, You Can Become A Ray Of Hope
Dr. Paul views the students as his own children, and they fondly call him "Muddha Sir." Despite facing challenges, his belief remains unchanged: "It is better to have vision than to have sight." As a child, Paul survived because someone chose to help him.
Today, thousands of visually impaired children are waiting for that same opportunity. Your support can help provide education, accommodation, learning materials, assistive technology, transportation, and a pathway to independence.
Help Snehadeep ensure that blindness never decides how far a child can go.
Share
