Eyeway Conversations

Eyeway Conversations Tribute to Ameen Sayani: Ameen Sayani, considered the Doyen of Indian radio or the golden voice of Indian broadcasting, has passed away. George Abraham had the privilege of recording with Ameen Sayani in 2006 at his studio in Mumbai. These recordings comprised 7 profiles for Eyeway's "Ye Hai Roshani Ka Karwan" radio programs, which were produced between 2005 and 2014.

As a tribute to Ameen Sahab, we propose to share each of these stories one by one over the course of 7 weeks. The first story is about Sabriye Tenberken, a German Tibetologist and co-founder of the organization Braille Without Borders. In 2009, Sabriye, along with her partner, set up Kanthari International in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is an educational and training institute where they train social entrepreneurs from various vulnerable groups with all the required tools and skills to drive social change.

Link for Sabriye Tenberken’s podcast:  https://anchor.fm/eyeway/episodes/Eyeway-Conversations-With-Sabriye-Tenberken-e1iu436

To access the podcast transcript, click on link:  https://otter.ai/u/BCcqY4uOJ7PoGbIzyOxXZSZO-XY

This podcast is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link:  https://scorefoundation.org.in/get-involved/

Welcome to the Purple Eyeway Conversations podcast, recorded live at the International Purple Festival in January 2024.

In this episode, George Abraham speaks with Ankur Kankonkar, a visionary entrepreneur from Goa. Despite losing his eyesight at 18-19, Ankur's journey showcases resilience and determination in pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams.

Ankur's academic background in pharmaceutical sciences, followed by a pivotal shift towards computer science due to his sight loss, laid the groundwork for his eventual foray into entrepreneurship. Motivated by values such as freedom, independence, and the desire to chart his own path, Ankur was inspired by Kartik Sahani, a blind tech professional. Ankur founded Kankolkar Technologies Private Limited, formerly known as Kapslock, a company that helps businesses with AI, analytics, and custom tech solutions. Initially, facing doubts from clients because of his blindness, Ankur proved himself through hard work and dedication. Now, his company serves clients worldwide, showing the power of belief and determination.

Ankur believes AI can revolutionize businesses, making tasks easier and more efficient. He also uses technology like ChatGPT for content creation and motivational speeches, sharing his inspiring story and insights. Ankur's multifaceted endeavors encompass a passion for sports, literature, and travel.

Ankur's love for cricket persists as he avidly follows the sport through radio commentaries. He's also an avid reader, enjoying books on adventure, fantasy, and personal development.

As he continues to navigate life's myriad experiences, Ankur's indomitable spirit serves as a beacon of inspiration for all those who dare to dream against all odds. 

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link:

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

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Welcome to the Purple Eyeway Conversations podcast, recorded live at the International Purple Festival in January 2024.

In this episode, George Abraham speaks with Bikramjyoti Das, a multifaceted individual from Guwahati, who is not only a banking professional but also an avid mountaineer and marathon runner.

He graduated with a B.Tech in Mining from the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, in 2000. Venturing out from Guwahati, he embarked on a career in mining that spanned regions such as Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur, Nagpur, Odisha, and Karnataka where he honed his expertise in mining and explosives.

Tragically, in May 2011, a devastating mishap occurred at the

Bikramjyoti found unwavering support and strength in his wife, who became his pillar of resilience. After his recovery, he resolved to overcome his challenges. He visited  a blind

In a turn of events in 2021, Bikramjyoti's  friend's trip to the Annapurna base camp sparked a new adventure in his life. Inspired by blind Israeli trekkers his friend encountered during his journey, he asked Bikramjyoti to join him on the trek to the Mount Everest base camp. Initially uncertain, Bikramjyoti, inspired by his friend's encouragement, said yes. To prepare for the Everest  base camp, he diligently trained by climbing stairs, carrying increasing weights on his back, and trekking hills around Guwahati.With the support of a guide, Bikramjyoti embarked on a monumental journey to the base camp of Everest on October 16,2022. Overcoming challenges like the perilous landing at Ramechhap, minus-degree temperature, he reached the base camp on October 26, 2022.

Upon his return, Bikramjyoti became a source of inspiration,

Bikramjyoti Das's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, showcasing that resilience, adaptability, and determination can illuminate even the most challenging journeys.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/ve_W-7fQ_K3qM8shx_qEr82EwOI?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to the Purple Eyeway Conversations podcast, recorded live at the International Purple Festival in January 2024.

In this episode George Abraham chats with T Sundeep Rao, a stand-up comedian and podcaster from Bangalore. Despite facing Stargardt disease, Sundeep is an avid golfer who began playing in 1996 with some peripheral vision. However, as his sight deteriorated, he paused golf until discovering blind golf two years ago, sharing how it allows him to pursue his passion and offering a unique perspective on the game. Sundeep also shares his previous interest in tennis and cricket before losing his vision.

Sundeep's journey took a turn in 8th grade when he lost his central vision to macular degeneration overnight. Growing up in the 90s in Bangalore posed academic challenges, but Sundeep navigated through extra exam time, helpful friends, and the unwavering support of his mother. He did his graduation abroad with books on cassette tapes. Later, with the advent of smartphones, laptops, and screen readers, accessibility was revolutionized.

Humor became Sundeep's coping mechanism, allowing him to navigate through life with laughter. Though terrified by public speaking, Sundeep took a plunge in 2009, stepping onto the stage for the first time. The laughter of the audience became his confidence booster. After a successful decade in stand-up comedy, he decided to take a hiatus in 2020, driven by the challenges of the pandemic and a desire to spend quality time with his 20-month-old daughter.

Turning the page to Sundeep's latest venture, podcasting became his medium to explore stories and experiences. His podcast, 'Life Gone Wrong,' explores the concept of experiencing setbacks and using them as stepping stones. He delves into conversations with individuals who have overcome challenges, such as injuries, have any kind of disability, illnesses, relationship issues, or war experiences. Sundeep shares his fascination with engaging conversations, uncovering the depths of people's lives, perspectives, emotions, and experiences, making his podcast a captivating exploration of the human experience. After the success of 'Life Gone Wrong,' he has started another podcast show called ‘Soapy Rao’.

This episode brimmed with laughter, joy, and inspiration. As we bring it to an end, Sundeep Rao's story emerges as a powerful testament to resilience, humor, and the unwavering pursuit of passion.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/zxk7L0qrd3V3ujpOgZIOgeXyUHA?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of our podcast Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in an inspiring dialogue with Mumbai-based social entrepreneur, Sushmeetha Bubna. Sushmita's resilience and determination shine through her remarkable journey, despite facing progressive vision loss that led to complete blindness by the age of 24.

Undeterred by her challenges, Sushmeetha pursued education fervently, earning a degree in commerce and a Diploma in Administrative Management. Her entry into her family's technology driven business was a defining moment. However, losing her eyesight in 1997 became a catalyst for her mission: addressing the scarcity of resources for individuals like herself.

In 2000, Sushmeetha founded Voice Vision, a non-profit dedicated to empowering visually impaired individuals by equipping many students with computer skills, soft abilities, and corporate proficiencies. This initiative has opened doors to employment, financial independence, and societal integration. In 2013, she initiated Voice Vision's matrimony project to address the lack of platforms for disabled individuals seeking life partners. Her annual matrimonial meets, including the upcoming Purple Fest 2024 event, emphasize inclusivity and aim to engage more female candidates through diverse outreach strategies. Moreover,

Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures,

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: ⁠https://otter.ai/u/oqr1oTmi4aXH1XaV-9zwYsdZEWc?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠⁠

In this episode of our podcast Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in a captivating discussion with Sandeep Singh, an assistant professor specializing in English literature at Ambedkar University in New Delhi.

Sandeep's journey began in Mumbai, where he was born and raised. His educational path faced a delayed start due to ignorance and a lack of proper guidance. It was during this time that an ophthalmologist's advice led him to Happy Home and School for the Blind, a pivotal move that set the stage for Sandeep's educational journey.

Inspiration struck Sandeep in the form of Akhtar Hussain, his senior, who played a significant role in shaping his English-speaking skills. Akhtar advised him to listen to the BBC and English cricket commentary on the radio, igniting Sandeep's passion for the language.

After his formative years, Sandeep graduated from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. His academic pursuits continued as he completed his Masters and M.Phil from JNU in New Delhi. It was during his time pursuing his Masters that he met Karuna, who would later become his wife. Married for a decade now, the couple is blessed with an 8-year-old daughter.

Sandeep's professional journey took him to St. Stephen's College in Delhi, where he taught for 3.5 years before transitioning to his current role as an Assistant Professor at Ambedkar University. Beyond academia, Sandeep's interests span a wide spectrum. He finds joy in reading, traveling, music, exploring different cuisines, and nurturing friendships.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/laoWZ60szJxUAy8ZTuXjRE57xM8?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠⁠

In this Eyeway Conversations podcast episode, George Abraham engages in a captivating discussion with Sandeep Singh, an assistant professor specializing in English literature at Ambedkar University in New Delhi. Originating from Thane, Sandeep completed his post-graduation and MPhil at JNU in New Delhi.

Sandeep found inspiration in Akhtar Hussain, his senior, who significantly influenced his English-speaking skills. His initial years saw Sandeep at home until he joined Happy Home and School for the Blind. Facing a lack of educational support in the '80s, Sandeep's parents encountered criticism from relatives. However, it was a specialist at Banaji Eye Hospital who suggested specialized schooling, initially met with resistance from his parents. Eventually, they acknowledged the importance of Sandeep's independence, leading to his enrollment in a school for the visually impaired.

Despite starting his academic journey later than usual, Sandeep ambitiously pursued an MPhil and made a significant move to Delhi for his post-graduation, ultimately paving the illustrious path to his teaching career at St. Stephen's in Delhi.

Married for a decade and blessed with a daughter, Sandeep's love story with his wife began during their post-graduation and culminated in marriage.

Join us to discover his diverse passions, including reading, exploring new destinations, indulging in music, culinary adventures, and cherishing meaningful friendships.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/laoWZ60szJxUAy8ZTuXjRE57xM8?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠⁠

In this impactful episode of Eyeway Conversations podcast, T V Aishwarya , an inspiring individual from Hyderabad, takes center stage. Initially pursuing mass communication and video editing, her life took a transformative turn when she lost her eyesight in 2008 due to a brain tumor. Undeterred, she forged an extraordinary path as a rehabilitation counselor at LV Prasad Institute.

Her creativity soared when she produced "I Am Possible," an empowering audio movie in 2015. Branching out further, Aishwarya delved into scriptwriting, directing, and content curation. She has a YouTube channel called 'Aishwarya Pillay,' which is dedicated to highlighting services for the visually impaired and fostering inclusivity in workplaces.Her recent foray into musical theater courageously challenges societal perceptions regarding acceptance in relationships for the visually impaired, adding another layer to her impactful advocacy.

Aishwarya's artistic talent flourished in 3D painting, creating stunning masterpieces from aluminum paper and masking tape, notably including a remarkable Titanic ship model. Her TEDx talks and advocacy underscore breaking stereotypes about the capabilities of the visually impaired, championing their vast potential.

At LV Prasad, Aishwarya plays a pivotal role overseeing helpdesk operations, video production, fundraising, and volunteer coordination, showcasing her remarkable evolution. Her reliance on assistive technology, meticulous planning, and self-assuredness while traveling alone highlight her unwavering determination. Her significant involvement in developing Spacefelt, an Assistive Tech app, reflects her passion for innovation and inclusivity.

For Aishwarya, the present holds profound significance, exemplifying her belief in embracing life's challenges with courage and resilience. Her narrative stands as a testament to choosing empowerment over despair, continuously confronting life with the resounding question, "Why not me?"

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/h3nZ7mdM9RxuW4AG4mko24apBno?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠⁠

In this insightful episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in an inspiring dialogue with Milton Lance, an entrepreneur hailing from Bangalore, driven by a profound passion for music and entrepreneurship.

Milton's journey as the Founder and Director of The Music School Bangalore, a premier music institution in India, is a tale of unwavering determination. Though uncertain of his entrepreneurial path initially, his profound love for music and formal training in drums during college sparked a vision. Graduating from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, he embarked on a transformative journey. Armed with formal music training, including drum studies in college and UK board examinations from 2008 to 2010 with Fraternity, UK, Milton honed his skills through YouTube videos and DVD lessons.

As a visually impaired individual battling Stargardt Disease, with significant central vision loss but a resilient spirit, Milton joined Baldwin High School as a music teacher. His practice sessions during lunchtime caught the attention of students, resulting in a viral video on Facebook. This unexpected publicity led to an influx of inquiries and offers to teach drums, compelling Milton to initiate one-on one sessions in a small room with an electric drum set.

From this modest beginning as the Drum School Bangalore, Milton's venture expanded gradually. Collaborating with friends skilled in other musical instruments, he transformed the school into The Music School Bangalore. The institution's growth was remarkable, offering full-time programs ranging from level 3 extended programs to level 5 second-year bachelor's degrees and gaining accreditation from the UK for vocational qualifications. Additionally, the school facilitates training and credit transfer programs with international universities. Milton is launching TMSB Records, set to showcase original works on their YouTube channel with student and artist compositions.

He adeptly utilizes magnification technology, finding solace in its support since discovering his eye condition in second grade. His path intertwined with his future wife's during martial arts sessions in 8th grade, where their shared passion for karate blossomed into a lasting relationship that culminated in marriage. United not only by their martial arts journey but also by a fervent love for swimming and sailing, they share an unbreakable bond forged through their mutual aquatic pursuits.

Join us to discover Milton's remarkable journey, from overcoming challenges with Stargardt Disease to his passion for music education and a unique love story rooted in martial arts.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/j87nbQUryL2XSUgLbu44WPDzMUU?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠⁠

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, George Abraham engages in a profound discussion with Annavaram, a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Hyderabad Central University.

Annavaram, with 12 years of experience as a blind lecturer and faculty, candidly shares the challenges he faced in academia. He provides insights into his teaching methods, utilizing Excel sheets for attendance, and reflects on his unexpected journey from an initial interest in English literature to his current role in sociology.

Born on an island, Annavaram tragically lost his eyesight in early childhood due to the intrusion of exceedingly fine sand particles into his eyes and medical mishandling. His education started at a special school run by missionaries, but it closed down when he was in fourth grade. He then moved to Hyderabad, where he had to engage in activism to secure admission to a government school. Activism played a pivotal role in his life from an early age, addressing the scarcity of Braille books by approaching the state secretary to secure funds for accessibility.

His journey continued with higher education at JNU, where he met his wife. Despite numerous challenges, Annavaram excelled in his studies, eventually becoming a professor at Hyderabad Central University. Beyond academia and advocacy, Annavaram and his wife share a passion for travel, adding a vibrant dimension to their lives.

Join us to listen to Annavaram's story, a testament not only to overcoming personal challenges but also to the transformative power of advocacy.

To access the podcast transcript, click on the link: https://otter.ai/u/O9PYE7BF3hMPxK3EGjrGTF-lYd4?utm_source=copy_url

This podcast episode is brought to you by Score Foundation.

To support our work, kindly visit the link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://scorefoundation.org.in/⁠