Over 40 million people in the world are blind, and another 120 million suffer with diminished vision which cannot be corrected, cured or treated by conventional refraction, medicine or surgery. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), these figures are expected to double by 2020. Over 90% of these people live in developing countries like India, and less than 15% have access to vision enhancement or vision rehabilitation services that can help change their lives. The major challenge that disabled people face is that of unemployment. Disabled adults have far lower employment rates than the general population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) employment amongst the disabled has fallen from 43% in 1991 to 38% in 2002.
Under the Antardrishti program, DJJS is working towards creating avenues and opportunities for the people with special needs. Currently, the program is focused on people with visual impairment through the following initiatives:Provide them with training in order to capture their creative energy and vocational skills. This empowers them to work constructively and contribute towards productive activities, helps them attain their self-respect and become financially independent
Awakening the spiritual self, which connects them with their eternal self and helps re-establish individual identities. This in itself is an imperative step that helps them transform from a dependent state to being an able human
Early detection of visual ailments in children for the prevention of permanent visual disability
The organization helps to enhance ability and skills of handicapped individuals and to generate employment for them with appropriate working conditions. Under this program, units have been set up for manufacturing eco-friendly candles and herbal soaps. The proceeds from the sale of these products are duly ploughed back for expansion of welfare activities for people with special needs.
The handicapped workers having found their dignity and pride, feel deeply interested in other program. They are given training in vocal and instrumental music as well. They have organized their own orchestra and give performances of soul-stirring devotional songs.
The organization's counseling and spiritual sessions are specially customized to accommodate their requirements. This provide them a platform where feelings of equality and brotherhood are cultivated, special care is taken to motivate and stir their inner creativity to enable them to be able citizens of the society.The organization has released its spiritual publications in brail for the visually impaired to read through, and explore the depths of spirituality.
Set up in 2008, the following are few acclaimed achievements of the Antardrishti project:
Distinguished winner for Stall of the Year (First Prize) at the Gandhi Jayanti Mela, Pragati Maidan, held between 2nd to 4th October, 2008
Winner Stall at Krishi Vigyan Mela, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Pusa, 23rd to 26th February, 2009
Road Ahead
A wider range of products will be manufactured by handicapped workers, and made available for sale at various sales outlets pan India
Increase the reach of the program so that more people can benefit from such initiatives
Spread awareness of the program in India and other countries; involve students from schools and colleges
Generate wider employment opportunities for this sections of society