Ganga Kadam (left in pic above) and Deepika TC of Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team
The database will help us reach out to them and find those having an interest in the game,” said Mondal, also vice president of Cricket Association for the Blind in India. Now I want to play in more international tournaments and bring trophies,” said Deepika. Finally, my success convinced them into letting me play the game,” she said. Disha Eye Hospitals chairman Debashish Bhattacharya said, “The awardees showed that visual impairment was no barrier to excellence, be it sports, music or education. Their achievements will inspire many others to challenge stereotypes and create a society equal for all. ” “I drew inspiration from noted composer and playback singer late Ravindra Jain. Playing the 19th century piano at Great Eastern Hotel has been a fascinating experience for me,” said Jain. Banerjee, who came forward to set up a reader-writer bank for helping blind students during exams, said, “I want to expand this initiative to other parts of the country.
“Apart from blind schools, mainstream schools also admit blind students for inclusive education. “When I was in class X, I got to learn that there’s an avenue for the blind to play cricket. My parents had been supportive and I practised the game with a blind-friendly ball and metal wickets. Kadam became emotional as she recounted how she had to fight alone to practise the game to accomplish her dream of becoming a cricketer. “It was difficult to get parents’ consent. The event also recognised the determination and courage of two other blind youths — Raj Jain, a lyricist, singer and pianist, and Sayantan Banerjee, a teacher of Bikramgarh High School. I have made a studio at my home where I experiment with different types of music. Getting writer for blind examinees is a challenge in villages.”