Students of Gurgawa School participated in the event, which had Orissa Governor M C Bhandare as its chief guest. Bhandare launched a book called Tales From The Panchatantra in Braille script, published by the National Book Trust (NBT).

While addressing a gathering, Bhandare said that proper implementation of “vision rehabilitation services” for the visually challenged is the need of the hour.

“Proper training and guidance can overcome blindness. India has about 20 million visually challenged people. Efforts should be made to spread awareness about their needs,” he added.

Chief Editor and Joint Director of NBT, India, Dr Baldev Singh Baddan said: “As of now, NBT is launching 70 Hindi, English and Tamil books in Braille script. We will come up with many more in the near future.”

There was good news for the visually challenged as Ashis Kumar, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said: “The ministry will take all possible efforts to provide Braille text books to students by January 4, 2009, under the Sarba Siksha Abhiyan. For this, Braille press centres are being set up.”

To further the cause of visually challenged students, Braille Council of India will soon be set up, he added. “A short film on Louis Braille’s life is underway. The Ministry of Post and Tele Communication will also launch a commemorative stamp on this day next year, commemorating the bicentenary birthday celebrations of Louis Braille,” Kumar said.