Eyeway Conversations

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, we bring you the extraordinary story of Ranu Maini, a visually impaired resident of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, who has carved her path as a radio jockey, YouTuber, and teacher. Ranu shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges in education, navigating a lack of resources, and finding her voice through creativity and resilience.

From her early education in sighted schools to her accomplishments at Delhi University and her passion for teaching, Ranu’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. She talks about her experience with Radio Udaan, where her show Verses of Wisdom with RJ Ranu airs weekly, and her popular YouTube channel, Melodious Masterpiece, which showcases diverse content ranging from poetry to motivational topics.

Ranu discusses her love for spirituality, her drive to spread positivity, and her aspirations for the future. Whether you're seeking inspiration, motivation, or insight into the life of someone who refuses to let limitations define them, this episode is a must-listen.

Show Notes:

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Quote from the Episode:
"We should do our work. We should do our karma. And never stop, no matter the challenges." – Ranu Maini

In this heartfelt episode of Eyeway Conversations, host George Abraham speaks with Yamuna Jivana Dasa, a blind spiritual teacher, musician, and advocate, about his unique journey from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Vrindavan, India. Born with optic atrophy, Yamuna shares his inspiring life story, from overcoming early challenges as a visually impaired child to finding a profound calling in music and spirituality.

Yamuna reflects on his parents’ resilience in raising a blind child in a society unfamiliar with disabilities. He describes how he was supported by his family and encouraged to pursue his interests, with music being an early passion. Despite a lack of resources at his school for the blind, he found ways to keep his dream alive. His pursuit of music led him to Pop Idols, where he released a national hit. Later, realizing the constraints of the industry, he became an independent artist and established his own studio, Gora Records Audio, allowing him to freely share his music and vision.

Throughout his career, Yamuna continued to merge his love for music with his growing spiritual interests, eventually finding purpose in teaching and guiding others on a spiritual path. Now residing in Vrindavan, he shares his insights on material and spiritual blindness, the importance of self-improvement, and the universality of spiritual truth. He also describes his work to make spiritual literature accessible to the blind community through Braille and electronic media, emphasizing the role of inclusive spirituality.

Yamuna’s life is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and faith, as he lives with the mission to share his knowledge and inspire others, especially the visually impaired. Join us for this deep, inspiring conversation about life, love, purpose, and a quest for enlightenment.

Show Notes

- Guest Introduction: Yamuna Jivana Dasa, spiritual teacher and musician from Vrindavan, originally from South Africa.

- Discussion Topics:

- Family Background and Life in South Africa: Indian heritage, childhood, and early life challenges as a blind child.

- Journey into Music: Early interest, challenges in accessing resources, success in Pop Idols, and transition to independent music.

- Spiritual Awakening: Growing interest in spirituality, shift in career focus, and experiences in Vrindavan.

- Educational Work and Advocacy for the Blind: Teaching roles at African Eye Institute and BlindSA, creating accessible Braille resources for blind readers.

- Building a Spiritual Community for the Blind: Formation of an international community focused on Vedic texts and broader spiritual understanding.

- Personal and Spiritual Insights: Reflections on material and spiritual blindness, the importance of self-improvement, and the power of prayer.

Notable Moments

- Yamuna’s memories of his mother’s support and their journey through South Africa.

- His pivot to independent music after experiencing the challenges of commercial music contracts.

- Meeting his wife through a spiritually focused platform and their shared roots in Indian heritage.

- Yamuna’s goal to make spiritual teachings accessible to blind communities worldwide.

- The significance of spiritual growth and teaching as a lifelong mission.

Links

- Listen to the archives of Yamuna Jivana’s “Simple Living, Higher Thinking” radio show on Radio 2000 FM:

- Listen to the music album “Everything Will Be All Right” on YouTube or Spotify.

- Listen to the two volumes of “In Every Town and Village album: Volume 1 & Volume 2.

Contact

Reach out to Yamuna Jivana Dasa to discuss general technology accessibility for the blind, music and sound engineering, for discussions on spirituality and access to spiritual literature in braille, electronic braille, audio and text-to-speech formats - [email protected].

In this inspiring episode of Eyeway Conversations, host George Abraham welcomes Shadab Husain, a passionate writer and counselor from Lucknow, who works at King George Medical University. Join us as Shadab shares his incredible journey from aspiring writer to successful author, and how he has turned personal challenges into opportunities for growth and service.

Shadab recounts his early aspirations of becoming a writer and how he ultimately took on a government job at the insistence of his parents. Despite initial setbacks in his position at the university, he found his calling in counseling visually impaired individuals, helping them navigate their challenges and rediscover their potential.

Hear about Shadab's memorable experiences, including a profound encounter with a young man who he guided towards a brighter future. He emphasizes the importance of contributing to others' lives and how these interactions have shaped his own sense of purpose.

In addition to his counseling work, Shadab is a published author of two books: The Optimists, a collection of short stories that inspire hope, and Beating Blindness, a non-fiction work highlighting success stories of individuals with visual impairments. He discusses the process of writing and the themes of resilience and empowerment that permeate his work.

Shadab also shares insights into his blog, Husain Journal, which focuses on self-help and personal development, and talks about his adventures in running marathons as a way to push his limits and connect with a broader community.

In a candid discussion about family life, Shadab opens up about his arranged marriage, parenting three daughters, and how he fosters a supportive and adventurous environment for them. He reflects on his parents' role in his life and their unwavering support despite their initial concerns.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, motivation, and practical insights on overcoming fears and challenges in life. Shadab's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on others.

Episode Highlights:

Resources Mentioned:

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Join us for this uplifting conversation, and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on social media!

The podcast episode of Eyeway Conversations features Dr. Rakesh Jain from Lucknow, who has made notable contributions to the blind and visually impaired community. Dr. Jain, an academician, professor, and founding member of the DAISY Forum of India, also established RSVI (Rehabilitation Society of the Visually Impaired) in Lucknow. His journey into teaching stemmed from limited employment opportunities for the visually impaired during his time. He became a respected figure in academia and held various administrative roles, including managing admissions, autonomous status coordination, and the design of multiple vocational programs.

Dr. Jain's desire to establish RSVI was rooted in addressing the challenges he faced during his own education, particularly the lack of accessible study materials. RSVI focuses on providing educational support, including audio and digital formats, computer training, and preparation for government jobs. The organization also engages in other activities like showing audio-described movies, football training for the blind, and quilling jewelry workshops for people with multiple disabilities.

The podcast also explores Dr. Jain's contributions to the Daisy Forum of India, a platform that produces accessible books in the DAISY (Digital Audio Information System) format, which allows users to navigate through text in ways that MP3 files do not. Dr. Jain emphasizes the need for quality audio materials and believes that despite technological advancements, the increasing dependency on smartphones can be detrimental to critical thinking and creativity.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Career in Academia: Dr. Jain talks about his academic journey, securing multiple prestigious scholarships such as UGC JRF, SRF, and a Research Associate position. He describes his role as a professor at National PG College, Lucknow, and his numerous responsibilities, including coordinating the college’s autonomous status and research and development activities.

RSVI (Rehabilitation Society for the Visually Impaired): Dr. Jain is the founder of RSVI Lucknow, an organization that focuses on providing study materials, accessible education formats, computer training, and other skill-building initiatives to visually impaired individuals. He elaborates on RSVI’s goals of enhancing education and employment opportunities for the visually impaired in Uttar Pradesh.

DAISY Forum of India: Dr. Jain sheds light on DAISY, a global standard for digital books. He explains the unique features of DAISY, such as navigation across chapters and sections, and how it has transformed access to educational materials for the blind community in India.

Challenges in Employment: Dr. Jain discusses the limited job prospects for visually impaired individuals in India, especially in states like UP, where the private sector is not as inclusive as metropolitan cities like Delhi and Bangalore. He stresses the importance of government jobs and the banking sector as viable career paths for the blind.

Digital India and Technology: In the context of the Digital India initiative, Dr. Jain emphasizes how technology, particularly smartphones and computer literacy, has enabled visually impaired individuals to become self-reliant and more integrated into mainstream society.

Extracurricular Activities: RSVI also organizes extracurricular programs such as sports, particularly football training for the visually impaired, and creative activities like jewelry-making from quilling. These programs aim to foster confidence and creativity among participants.

Role of Smartphones in Learning: Dr. Jain shares his concerns about the overuse of smartphones and its negative impact on students’ creativity and critical thinking. He calls for a balanced approach to technology use in education.

This episode of Eyeway Conversations features Jason Williams, an IT professional from Bangalore who lost his eyesight due to an accident. Jason shares his journey of resilience and transformation, beginning with his initial desire to become an automobile engineer, which was derailed by his vision impairment.

Diagnosed with congenital glaucoma at the age of four, his life changed when, at 14, a football injury led to a series of surgeries that resulted in his loss of vision.

Jason discusses how his role as a business analyst evolved in the IT sales sector, explaining that it involves identifying business opportunities and engaging with stakeholders to convert those opportunities into revenue. He emphasizes the importance of communication and people skills in the role. Over time, despite facing challenges, including being seen as a liability by some, he was supported by mentors and managers who believed in his potential.

He shares his experience with companies, noting that leadership played a critical role in his success. Some managers saw him as an asset, while others hesitated due to his disability. His turning point came when he transitioned into sales, where he thrived under leaders who encouraged him to think outside the box. He highlights the support he received from managers like Dhiraj Joba and Sambit Ganguly, who pushed him to realize his full potential.

Show Notes -

1. Understanding the Role of a Business Analyst:

2. Jason's Vision Loss Journey:

3. Career Adjustments After Vision Loss:

4. Professional Development:

5. Personal and Social Challenges:

6. Workplace Inclusion and Leadership:

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham speaks with Dr. Muhamad Zubair, Associate Professor of Political Science at Janaki Devi Memorial College, New Delhi. Dr. Zubair shares his inspiring journey from aspiring civil servant to becoming a dedicated teacher, reflecting on how his visual impairment shaped his life and career. He discusses his time at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which played a pivotal role in fostering his academic success, as well as his deep-rooted interest in International Relations.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Zubair provides insights into his work advocating for disability inclusion within the education system. He also talks about his involvement with the Center for Study of Disability Inclusion (CSDI), the impact of his debates and quiz experiences, and his unique role as a male, visually impaired professor teaching at a women's college. His personal stories reflect his dedication to inclusivity, both in education and in life, and his commitment to supporting marginalized communities. Tune in to hear Dr. Zubair’s remarkable insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of hope, and the power of education.

Show Notes:

Helpline Info:
If you know of anyone with vision impairment who needs guidance on living life with blindness, please share the Eyeway National Toll-Free Helpdesk Number: 1800 53 20469.

Stay tuned for more empowering conversations from the Eyeway Conversations podcast!

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, we delve into the inspiring journey of Abrar Ahmed Bhat from Kashmir, a visually impaired individual who has overcome immense challenges to transform his life and the lives of others around him.

Born blind with retinal detachment, Abrar faced a difficult childhood marked by financial instability, limited access to educational resources, and a lack of awareness regarding his condition. Despite these obstacles, he found the strength to change his perspective on life with the help of friends and mentors. Abrar shares his turning point when he joined the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH) in Dehradun, where he learned essential skills like mobility techniques, Braille, and digital literacy. This marked the beginning of his journey toward independence and empowerment.

Through sheer perseverance, Abrar pursued further education and training, eventually securing a position at Punjab National Bank. He discusses his experiences as a visually impaired professional, the challenges he faced during the 2016 Kashmir unrest, and his rise from a sub-staff role to a Customer Service Associate. Abrar is passionate about digital literacy and actively conducts workshops to empower visually impaired individuals, particularly in Kashmir, with tools like screen readers and accessible devices.

Abrar's story is not just one of personal growth but also of community impact. He emphasizes the importance of NGOs and the government in creating opportunities for skill development, education, and employment for visually impaired individuals. He also touches upon the role of sports, particularly blind cricket, and the importance of making books and educational resources accessible in regional languages like Urdu.

Join us as we explore Abrar's journey of resilience, empowerment, and advocacy for the visually impaired community, especially in conflict-ridden Kashmir. This conversation sheds light on the potential for visually impaired individuals to lead independent, fulfilling lives with the right support and resources.

Show Notes:

Contact:

Tune in to this episode for a heartfelt conversation about the power of resilience, empowerment, and the possibilities for visually impaired individuals in India.

In this empowering episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham sits down with a remarkable guest, Preeti Monga, a tireless advocate for blind women in India. Preeti, who has been working in the field since 1987, shares her personal journey as a blind girl growing into a woman and the challenges she faced along the way. Through her candid reflections, she reveals the unique struggles that blind women encounter in Indian society, particularly around marriage, education, and social acceptance.

Preeti also talks about her groundbreaking initiatives, including Project Shiksha, which provides blind girls and boys with preparatory skills for school and life, and her unique Fusion travel program, which fosters inclusivity by encouraging visually impaired and sighted individuals to travel together. She further discusses her powerful online platform, Dignity, where blind women connect, share, and empower each other through community discussions. In addition, Preeti opens up about her journey as a public speaker and author of two inspiring autobiographies that challenge societal perceptions of the blind community.

Here's the shownotes -

Here are the key takeaways -

Listen in as Preeti Monga sheds light on the importance of empowering visually impaired women from childhood, advocating for dignity, and breaking down barriers that exist both within the community and in society at large.

To support the work of the Score Foundation and help empower the blind community, visit the donate page on their website. Visit Score Foundation's website: www.scorefoundation.org.in.

n this episode, host George Abraham sits down with Avichal Bhatnagar, a visually impaired professor of English at Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College, Delhi University. Avichal shares his journey of becoming an academic, transitioning from his initial dream of joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to discovering his passion for teaching. He discusses the challenges he faced as a visually impaired student and professor, and how he navigated the academic landscape to achieve success.

Avichal's story is a powerful testament to resilience and determination. He shares insights into the academic process, including the qualifications required to become a professor at Delhi University, and his experience in managing a classroom as a visually impaired educator. The conversation touches upon how Avichal prepares his lectures, manages attendance, evaluates exams, and uses technology to enhance his teaching. He also reflects on his lifelong love of reading and why he believes that books are irreplaceable when it comes to deep learning.

Beyond his professional life, Avichal discusses the importance of social inclusion for people with visual impairments, his personal experience of forming friendships across diverse groups, and his approach to maintaining an inclusive social circle. He also talks about his hobbies, which include reading detective fiction, listening to music, and spending quality time with friends.

This episode offers a blend of practical advice, personal reflection, and a broader perspective on how visually impaired individuals can pursue fulfilling careers in education.

Show Notes:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in education, disability inclusion, and the lived experiences of visually impaired individuals.

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, host George Abraham sits down with Sunil J. Mathew, the Director of the Indian Blind Football Federation and Chief Coach, along with two exceptional blind women football players, Nirma Thakkar and Shifali Rawat. As India prepares to host the second World Cup of Blind Football in October 2025 in Kochi, this episode delves into the challenges and triumphs faced by the Indian blind football teams on their journey to international success.

Sunil discusses the evolution of blind football in India, the growing interest and participation among visually impaired athletes, and the strategic plans laid out for the upcoming World Cup. He also highlights the importance of early preparation, international exposure, and the need for robust support systems, including government backing and sponsorships, to elevate the sport to new heights.

Nirma and Shifali share their personal experiences of competing on the international stage, including their participation in the IBSA Women's Blind Football Championships and the World Cup in Birmingham. They talk about the physical and mental demands of the sport, the camaraderie with their teammates, and the invaluable lessons learned from playing against some of the best teams in the world.

This episode is an inspiring testament to the spirit of resilience and determination that drives India’s blind football teams. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an advocate for disability rights, or simply curious about the world of blind sports, this conversation offers deep insights into the lives and dreams of those breaking barriers in the world of football.

Key Takeaways:

Stay connected with the Indian Blind Football Federation to follow the team’s journey as they prepare for the 2025 World Cup. Support the cause by spreading awareness, advocating for better resources, or contributing to their efforts through sponsorship or partnership opportunities.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about the inspiring journey of India’s blind football teams and the impact they are making on the global stage.