Vision Beyond Sight: Amit Shah Lays Foundation for Inclusive Education in Jodhpur

Image Source: The Hawk

In a significant gesture toward inclusive education and empowerment, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is visiting Jodhpur today, September 21, to lay the foundation stone for new buildings at Shri Parsamal Bohra Netraheen Mahavidyalaya—a pioneering institution for visually impaired students. The event marks a milestone in Rajasthan’s commitment to accessible learning and signals the Centre’s support for infrastructure that uplifts differently-abled communities.

Event Overview and Schedule

Amit Shah’s visit is scheduled for a brief but impactful window this afternoon. He will land at Jodhpur Airport at 3:50 PM and proceed directly to Ramraj Nagar, Chokha, where the foundation ceremony will take place. The event is expected to run from 4:10 PM to 5:30 PM, after which Shah will depart for Surat.

Key highlights:

- Venue: Shri Parsamal Bohra Netraheen Mahavidyalaya, Ramraj Nagar, Jodhpur
- Time: 4:10 PM to 5:30 PM
- Attendees include Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- Over 400 police personnel deployed for security along the VVIP route

The ceremony will include the unveiling of plans for new academic and residential facilities tailored to the needs of visually impaired students, including modern hostels, digital classrooms, and vocational training centers.

Legacy of Shri Parsamal Bohra Netraheen Mahavidyalaya

Founded on August 15, 1977, by Sushila Bohra with just two visually impaired children in an old temple building, the institution has grown into a beacon of inclusive education. Over the past 48 years, it has educated and trained over 4,600 students with visual, auditory, and cognitive challenges.

Current impact:

- 1,251 students enrolled across various programs
- Free education, housing, and vocational training provided
- Facilities include screen reader software, Braille press, and audiobook libraries
- Recognized as Rajasthan’s first residential college for the visually impaired

The new buildings will expand the college’s capacity and enhance its ability to offer holistic development opportunities to students with special needs.

Empowerment Through Infrastructure

The foundation ceremony is more than a symbolic gesture—it represents a strategic investment in inclusive infrastructure. The new facilities will be designed to accommodate modern assistive technologies and promote independent living skills among students.

Planned features:

- Accessible hostels with tactile navigation and voice-assisted systems
- Smart classrooms equipped with Braille-compatible devices
- Training centers for digital literacy, music, and handicrafts
- Recreational spaces designed for sensory engagement and social interaction

The initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, ensuring that education reaches every corner of society, regardless of physical ability.

Political and Social Context

Amit Shah’s visit comes just days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled trip to Banswara on September 25, where he will lay the foundation for India’s largest nuclear power project. The timing underscores the Centre’s dual focus on technological advancement and social inclusion.

Broader implications:

- Signals increased attention to disability rights and inclusive education
- Reinforces Rajasthan’s role as a hub for social welfare initiatives
- Sets the stage for future collaborations between state and central governments on accessibility

Final Thought

As Amit Shah lays the foundation stone today, the message is clear: education must be inclusive, infrastructure must be empathetic, and progress must be shared. The new buildings at Shri Parsamal Bohra Netraheen Mahavidyalaya are not just bricks and mortar—they are stepping stones toward a more equitable future, where every student, regardless of ability, has the tools to thrive.

Sources: Indian Community News, The Statesman, Times Now Navbharat