WhatsApp group reads to blind

KOZHIKODE: “Shravyam”, a WhatsApp group, bridges the gap between visually impaired people and the world of literature. The inaccessible magical world of literature is being appreciated with the help of audio texts posted in the group by voluntary persons. Noted works such as ‘Chidambarasmaranakal’, ‘Jeevitham enna albhutham’, ‘Vishudha Janavali’ among others has been appreciated by the visually impaired through audio messages.

“The group was started last May. The National Service Scheme (NSS) of the Christ College Irinjalakuda and the youth forum of the Kerala Federation of the Blind (KBF) started the group under the initiative of Robinson P. Ponminiessary, Assistant Professor in the college. Now there are more than 100 members from across the state,” says Ranjith. M, Teacher at Government HSS, Peringalam, who is the admin of the group.

Close to 20 voluntary persons are in the group who post novels, poems, stories etc in the form of audio messages. “The group is awesome and is of great use. Each chapter of the novel is being read and posted daily. After completion, there are fruitful discussions among members,” says visually impaired Sudheesh. K, resource teacher at AKG memorial Government HSS, Peralasserry, Kannur.

Besides, newspaper stories and selected stories being published in magazines are posted on a daily basis. “Only audio and audio content rich posts are allowed in the group. The visually impaired share some of the indifferent attitudes they encounter from society and the subsequent discussion would come up with solutions to counter it,” elaborates Mr Ranjith.