A Day of Kindness: Our visit to the Samarthanam Trust for the Blind

About Samarthanam Trust

The Trust, established in 1997, has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for the blind. They are a National-Award winning non-profit organisation with a pan-Indian reach who work tirelessly to create an equal society. They have a wide array of initiatives providing quality education, accommodation, nutritious food, vocational training and placement-based rehabilitation.

Achievements and impact of the organisation

Education initiatives

The integrated education programs ensure that visually impaired students receive quality education, fostering their holistic development. Scholarships and support systems enable these students to pursue higher education and carve out successful career paths.

Skill development

The vocational training programs offered by the organisation empower the individuals with the right tools to navigate through the business world seamlessly. Through partnerships with corporate entities, they have successfully placed numerous individuals in gainful employment.

Sports and recreation

The sports initiatives have produced athletes who have represented the country at various international platforms, showcasing the immense potential within the visually impaired community. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) was set up in 2010 to nurture the dreams of visually impaired cricketers by this institution.

Assistive technologies

The organisation ensures that no one is left behind in this digital age, they leverage modern technology to provide books in Braille and bridge the gaps to enhances the lives of visually impaired individuals.  

Our day of kindness

Inside the premises of the Trust, we were greeted by the officials and the residents. We gained a deep insight into the Samarthanam style of life and went through what the facility has to offer.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the visit was seeing the profound impact that the initiatives made firsthand. The young minds around us engrossed in their academics, improving their digital literacy through different activities. We witnessed firsthand the students learning English in digitally enabled classrooms along with a state-of-the-art library. The highlight was a machine that published books and reading materials for the visually impaired in Braille to enable seamless learning. It was clearly evident how the institution aims to develop a keen sense of independence and self-reliance among all its beneficiaries.

Following the distribution of the snacks and refreshments that our team had thoughtfully provided for the resident students, we seized the opportunity to interact with several individuals. Out of the many interactions we had, there were a few that stood out. None more so than the intriguing conversation we had with one of the resident children who is a national level swimmer and represents the state of Karnataka in competitions across the country. Through these thoughtful conversations, we delved into the unique experiences, aspirations, and challenges faced by the visually impaired and specially abled students, gaining a profound understanding of their perspectives.

This personal engagement not only facilitated a deeper appreciation for the resilience displayed by these individuals in the face of visual impairments but also allowed us to witness firsthand the impact of our contributions on their daily lives. The exchange of stories and experiences served as a testament to the human connections forged during our visit, underscoring the significance of compassionate corporate engagement in effecting positive change within the community.

Corporate social responsibility in action

The visit served as a powerful reminder that businesses like ours can be a force for good in society. We at Advanced want to ensure that the social initiatives we undertake are not merely a one-time event but a commitment to build a world where individuals, regardless of their disabilities, can maximise on their potential. As much as this day was about giving back, every member of our team also gained something significant - the time we spent with these amazing young people will inspire us both within our organisational walls and beyond.