Drishti Braille Newspaper Moves to Weekly Publication
Reliance Foundation's Drishti programme expands Braille news access from fortnightly to weekly for the visually impaired.
In a significant boost for information accessibility, Reliance Foundation's Drishti programme has announced that its Braille newspapers will now be published every week. This transition from a fortnightly schedule marks a major milestone for visually impaired readers in India, ensuring they have more frequent access to current affairs and essential news stories.
Expanding Access to Information
The Drishti programme produces India’s only registered international Braille newspapers, available in both Hindi and Marathi. By increasing the frequency of these editions, the initiative aims to bridge the information gap and foster greater social participation for the visually impaired community. Currently, the newspapers serve a dedicated readership of over 30,000 people, a number expected to grow significantly with the new weekly format.
A Legacy of Vision Care and Inclusion
Since its inception in 2003, the Drishti programme has been a cornerstone of Reliance Foundation’s commitment to vision care and social inclusion. The initiative focuses on several key areas:
- Protecting and restoring sight.
- Improving access to comprehensive eye care.
- Promoting awareness regarding eye donation.
Through strategic partnerships with prominent organizations like the National Association for the Blind (NAB) India, Sankara Eye Foundation, and Aravind Eye Care System, the programme has reached over two lakh people. These interventions are specifically designed to address preventable and treatable vision loss, particularly within underserved communities.
Impact and Future Commitments
The impact of these long-term partnerships is evident in the lives transformed over the last two decades. The initiative has successfully helped restore sight to more than 22,500 individuals, empowering them to lead lives defined by confidence and opportunity rather than limitation.
This expansion comes on the heels of a major financial commitment to the cause. Earlier this year, during the 75th Foundation Day celebration of NAB India in Mumbai, Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, announced a ₹5 crore funding commitment to support the mission of empowering the visually impaired community.
As the Drishti Braille newspapers transition to a weekly rhythm, the initiative continues to strengthen the vital link between accessible information and true social inclusion.