In a world where the needs and dreams of the visually impaired are frequently overlooked, there are individuals and organizations committed to creating a positive impact. Aludecor, renowned for its excellence in the architectural industry, has embarked on a deeply inspiring journey of corporate social responsibility. In one of its latest CSR activities, Aludecor took the initiative of transforming lives and dismantling barriers in a truly remarkable fashion. The collaboration between Aludecor and the Blind Persons’ Association (BPA) in Kolkata serves as a powerful testament to the practical application of corporate social responsibility, and it’s a narrative that begs to be told.
BPA’s history
In a world of darkness and isolation, the blind people of India once lived a life devoid of hope and opportunity. In the late 19th century, Monsieur Louis Braille, a blind individual himself, introduced the Braille system for reading and writing, a tactile code that would transform the lives of the visually impaired. This remarkable system eventually made its way to India, leading to the establishment of a few schools for the blind.
One such pioneer, Reverend Lal Bihari Shah, founded the first blind school in Eastern India, Calcutta, in 1894. This school marked the beginning of a journey towards enlightenment, self-reliance, and self-assertion among the blind in Bengal.
Fast forward to December 5, 1946, a date etched in history, when the Blind Persons’ Association (BPA) was born. It was founded by a group of educated and conscious blind youth under the leadership of Late Nagendranath Sengupta, a professor at Bangabasi College. Their mission was clear: to nurture self-confidence and self-dependence among their fellow blind individuals.
Initially, BPA operated from the premises of the Light House for the Blind in Kolkata, the second blind school in West Bengal. Despite facing challenges and limitations, B.P.A. remained steadfast in promoting democracy, free thinking, and the welfare of the blind.
In the ’60s, the organization initiated a sheltered workshop for blind girls in Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal; but financial constraints forced its closure. However, a new wave of enthusiastic members joined BPA in the later part of the ’60s, advocating for greater independence. As a result, the Association’s office was relocated to a rented house in Jadavpur, Kolkata.
This is the remarkable journey of the Blind Persons’ Association, an organization that stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the blind, run by the blind, and dedicated to fostering a brighter future.
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A Step Towards Empowerment
Aludecor’s CSR activities for the blind school go beyond mere charity; they embody a commitment to creating a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute.
At Aludecor, we believe that corporate social responsibility extends far beyond business boundaries. We are honored and humbled to share our latest CSR endeavor, one that aims to bring positive change into the lives of visually impaired children. In the most recent venture, the company had the privilege of donating special computers to the Blind People’s Association (BPA). These cutting-edge assistive devices are designed to empower visually impaired children, providing them with the tools they need to access education and information, ultimately helping them integrate seamlessly into mainstream society. These specialized computers are not just tools; they are instruments of empowerment. They provide visually impaired computer enthusiasts with the means to access education and information, breaking the shackles of dependency and opening doors to a brighter future.
This CSR initiative is a testament to our commitment to making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. We are deeply humbled by the scope of our actions and remain dedicated to creating a better, more inclusive world for all.
An Inspiration for All
CSR activities of Aludecor has been a tradition. And this partnership with BPA is a powerful reminder that corporate social responsibility can be a force for profound change. It’s a testament to the idea that businesses can play a pivotal role in creating a more equitable and compassionate world.
This remarkable initiative isn’t just about technology; it’s about hope, empowerment, and breaking down the barriers that have held the visually impaired back for far too long. The teachers at BPA, who are blind themselves, serve as inspirational role models, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible. It would be wrong if we reduce the experience to stating it as just a CSR activity for blind school.
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As we witness the impact of Aludecor’s CSR activities, we are reminded of the importance of giving back and making a real difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Somewhere, it is also a call to be grateful for what we have – because often enough we fail to appreciate how blessed our lives are!
