The blind fly in the sky

A century ago peoples would have laughed if somebody have told them that the blind could do any other work apart from brooms, brushes and baskets and candles, chalk and chair canning. What a difference is seen in the blind of today. They are computer programmers, physiotherapists, executives, professors, teachers and name any professional, the blind are there! The blind students of the BPA schools went a step further. They expressed their desire to fly in the sky like other teenagers of their age! This dream was fulfilled by the involvement of the Gujarat Paragliding Adventure Club. Blind students flew in the sky like colorful kites and experienced the wind on their cheeks and freedom of moving in space on 15th December, 2000. The local newspapers were shocked, surprised and elated at this event and give wide publicity. Truly, the sprit of man cannot be imprisoned by any limitations. The BPA congratulates these adventurous kids and wishes them more horizons to conquer.

Blind boys make it to the top

Climbing up 11,500 feet is not easy, especially if you do not posses the advantage of sight. But spirits high, a team of 12 visually impaired boys proved that the impossible could be made possible by trekking up the Chandrakhani pass in the Kulu region.

The 15 day trek organized by the Youth Hostel Association of India had 12 enthusiastic trekkers from the BPA besides 30 other sighted trekkers from Mumbai, Bangalore and Rajasthan. They were four instructors from the BPA and a doctor who accompanied the group of 12.

How did the visually impaired group handle the arduous terrain which taxes even those who can see. The team agreed to the fact that they had advantage over the sighted because they could not see the height of the peak and the depth of the gorges, hence no fear of heights and no vertigo. All they had to do was follow the instructions of the instructor and follow with the slick. Talk about silver lining to the clouds.

Source: Blind People's Association
Annual Report 2000-2001