Eyeway Conversations

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham from Score Foundation sits down with Ankur Dhamma, an accomplished para-athlete and coach, to discuss his inspiring journey in athletics. Ankur, who has participated in multiple international events, including the Paralympics, shares how he first got interested in athletics during his school days at J.P.M. Senior Secondary School for the Blind in Delhi. Influenced by his family and senior athletes like Ravindra Singh Nagar, Ankur began his journey in sports at a young age, helping his seniors and eventually stepping onto the track himself.

Ankur talks about his specialization in middle and long-distance running, particularly in the 1500m and 5000m events, and how his coaches helped him transition from sprints to longer distances. He explains the role of guides in T11 category races for totally blind athletes, emphasizing the importance of coordination and trust between the athlete and the guide.

The conversation also delves into Ankur's achievements on the international stage, including his participation in the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where an unfortunate incident during a race hindered his performance. Despite such challenges, Ankur has continued to excel, earning multiple medals at the Asian Games and being honored with prestigious awards like the Arjuna Award and the Best Sportsperson of the Year by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

As a coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Ankur is now focused on guiding the next generation of athletes, both able-bodied and para-athletes. He discusses the importance of a well-rounded training regimen that includes endurance, speed, strength, and agility. Ankur also highlights the role of professional agencies like GoSports Foundation and Olympic Gold Quest in supporting para-athletes and enhancing their performance through science-based training and facilities.

Towards the end of the episode, Ankur shares advice for visually impaired individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in sports. He encourages them to seek out local resources, such as blind schools or sports associations, and emphasizes the importance of awareness about the opportunities available in blind sports. Ankur’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the support systems that can help visually impaired athletes succeed on the global stage.

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In this inspiring episode of Eyeway Conversations, host George Abraham sits down with Munawar Anzar, the Founding General Secretary of the Indian Blind and Para Judo Association and the Chief Coach of the Indian Blind Judo team. Munawar Anzar shares his incredible journey from being a judo player to becoming an international referee and pioneering blind judo in India. He details the challenges and triumphs of establishing the Indian Blind and Para Judo Association, which now boasts over 5000 players nationwide.

Munawar Anzar delves into the efforts to promote blind judo at the national and international levels, highlighting the training and competition structure that has led Indian athletes to excel on the global stage. He discusses the categorization of blind judo, the significance of discipline in martial arts, and how judo has become a powerful tool for self-defense and personal growth for visually impaired individuals.

Listeners will also hear about the journey of two outstanding blind judo athletes, Kapil and Kokila, who are set to compete in the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Munawar Anzar sheds light on the rigorous training camps, international exposure, and unwavering support from organizations like the Paralympic Committee of India, Sports Authority of India, and Olympic Gold Quest, which have been instrumental in elevating the standard of blind judo in India.

Please tune in to learn about the impact of blind judo, how it has transformed many lives, and the prospects of the sport in India.

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Follow Eyeway Conversations on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for more inspiring stories. Stay updated with the latest episodes and initiatives by following us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Welcome to the Eyeway Conversations at Spark Carnival 2024. Today, we will witness a compelling panel conversation hosted by George Abraham. The panel featured four inspirational speakers, each with unique stories highlighting their attitudes, aspirations, and actions in overcoming challenges.

The conversation began with Bhupendra Tripathi, Assistant General Manager at the Reserve Bank of India. Mr. Tripathi shared his powerful story of battling terminal cancer and paralysis. Despite being given only six weeks to live, he fought the disease with incredible mental stamina and a positive attitude, eventually becoming cancer-free after 12-13 months.

Next, Monika Sharma, a Program Manager at Amazon India with 18 years of corporate experience, spoke about the growing opportunities for visually impaired individuals in the corporate world. She highlighted roles in training and development, HR, accessibility testing, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Monika emphasized the importance of networking through LinkedIn and HR consultants for job seekers with disabilities.

Rahul Gambhir from Union Bank of India discussed the bank's efforts to empower visually impaired employees. He shared his personal journey of proving his capabilities and how it led to broader initiatives within the bank. These included specialized training programs, job role circulars, and the "Union Access" project to enhance digital accessibility for employees with disabilities.

Lastly, Pramit Bhargava, founder of Louie Voice, explained his mission to create voice-controlled interfaces for mobile apps. Pramit, who lost his sight later in life, described how his personal challenges led him to develop technology that allows visually impaired users to operate apps like Uber and WhatsApp entirely through voice commands.

This episode of Eyeway Conversations showcased the remarkable resilience and achievements of these individuals, all of whom are visually impaired. Their stories highlighted the importance of a positive attitude, clear aspirations, and decisive action in overcoming life's challenges. You will find this conversation both inspiring and educational, offering valuable insights into the experiences and contributions of visually impaired professionals across various sectors.

Despite being restricted to a wheelchair, Nipun is one of the strongest advocates for disability rights in India. Through this candid conversation, he shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind founding the Nipman Foundation. We delve into the foundation's work on changing attitudes towards disability through sensitization workshops, accessibility audits, and the Equal Opportunity Awards.

A major focus of the episode is Nipun's recent legal battle against Sony Pictures for the derogatory portrayal of disabilities in the film "Aankh Micholi." We explore the details of the case, the Supreme Court's landmark ruling, and its implications for the representation of people with disabilities in media.

Nipun also shares his insights on the challenges faced by the disability community, including the importance of accurate representation, dispelling stereotypes, and creating a society where everyone has equal opportunities.

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This episode provides a powerful and informative discussion on disability rights and the ongoing struggle for a more inclusive world.

Rajeev shares the poignant story of his journey, which began with a significant incident during his school years. Facing discrimination and overcoming adversity, Rajeev's determination led him to form a band where visually impaired artists could shine and support their families through their passion for music.

Key highlights of the episode include the genesis of Anhad Band, where Rajeev discusses the early struggles and motivations behind forming the group. He recounts the initial collaboration with his friend Amit, who played the guitar, and the gradual addition of other members, including Dushyant on drums and Rajat on keyboard.

Rajeev's talent for writing and composing music is another focal point, as he explains how the band modernizes traditional bhajans and folk songs to appeal to contemporary youth without losing their essence. The episode also delves into Project Khwab, a heartwarming initiative with the Tech Mahindra Foundation, where visually impaired children from schools in Kolkata and Delhi collaborated to create a bilingual song.

Listeners will learn about Rajeev's involvement in Dastangoi, an ancient art form of storytelling, which influenced his approach to music and performance. He shares anecdotes from various memorable performances, including a particularly impactful show at the I-Business Institute (IBI) in Greater Noida and a challenging yet rewarding event for the Asia-Pacific Congress for Optometrists.

Throughout the episode, Rajeev offers insights into the hard work, self-belief, and persistence that contributed to Anhad Band's success. He emphasizes the importance of marketing oneself and consistently striving toward one's goals. Additionally, Rajeev discusses his formal music education under renowned gurus and institutions, enhancing his skills and knowledge.

George Abraham concludes the episode by thanking Rajeev Ranjan for sharing his incredible story and wishing him continued success in his musical endeavors. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and the unifying force of music.

Tune in to be inspired by Rajeev Ranjan's journey and the harmonious world of Anhad Band.

This episode was brought to you by Score Foundation.

In this inspiring episode of the Eyeway Conversations podcast, we dive into the extraordinary world of voice acting and the journey of a remarkable talent, Resham Talwar. This episode takes you through the life and career of Resham, a blind voice actor from Delhi, who has defied the odds to become a prominent figure in the industry.

Join us as we explore Resham's early fascination with voice acting, inspired by iconic characters from shows like Dragon Ball Z, Doraemon, and Shin Chan. Hear about her admiration for Ankur Javeri, a renowned voice actor, and how his influence and guidance shaped her career.

In a candid conversation, Resham shares her experiences of discovering her passion for voice acting during the COVID-19 lockdown, learning essential software like Audacity and Reaper, and setting up her home studio. She discusses the challenges she faced, including the innovative methods she devised to read scripts using Google Text-to-Speech and the support she received from her dubbing director, Mohammad Saad Anwar.

Resham's journey is a testament to perseverance and talent. From voicing commercials for brands like Star Sports, Disney Plus, Tata Tea, and Vega Beauty to dubbing for Japanese anime in Hindi, she has mastered the art of voice modulation and character portrayal. Listen to her recount her most exciting dubbing experiences, where she had to modulate her voice to fit diverse characters, showcasing her incredible range and skill.

We also delve into Resham's musical background, her formal training in music, and her performances at corporate events for renowned brands. She even treats us to an impromptu song composition and a beautiful rendition of a Shreya Ghoshal song, highlighting her versatility as an artist.

Resham's story is not just about her professional achievements; it's also about the unwavering support of her family, especially her mother, who has been her constant companion and backbone throughout her journey. This episode is a heartwarming tribute to their bond and the power of familial support.

Additionally, Resham shares insights into her two podcasts, "Behind the Anime Podcast" and "Ability in Disability," where she interviews industry professionals and shares motivational stories to inspire others facing challenges.

Tune in to this episode for an enriching and motivational conversation with Resham, as she takes us behind the curtain of the voice acting world, proving that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle.

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This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation. To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠https://www.scorefoundation.org.in.