Centenary of Calcutta Blind School
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Centenary Series |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | November 30, 1994 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 1000000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1445 Stamp Number IN 1500 Yvert et Tellier IN 1236 Stanley Gibbons IN 1608 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Computers | Education | Schools | |
Table of Contents
Calcutta Blind School: A Century of Service
Overview:
Founded in 1894 by Rev. Lal Bihari Shah, the Calcutta Blind School has been a beacon of hope and education for the visually handicapped in India for over a century.
Early Beginnings:
- Founding: Established by Rev. Lal Bihari Shah with one blind child in a modest cottage.
- Growth: The school has evolved into a co-educational, residential institution serving about 150 boys and girls, and is affiliated with the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.
Achievements and Programs:
- Educational Focus:
- Provides comprehensive education for visually impaired students.
- Emphasizes integration into mainstream life and securing gainful employment.
- Extracurricular Activities:
- Offers music, crafts, sports, physical exercises, and scout and guide programs.
- Vocational Training:
- Programs include typewriting, light engineering, teacher training, and training for telephone operators.
- Implements a computer education project with specially designed computers featuring Speech Synthesizers and Computer Assistance for the Blind (CAB) software.
- Employment and Self-Employment:
- Students have secured positions in government and private sectors.
- Support for self-employment schemes, including bank loan arrangements.
Research and Development:
- Research Wing:
- Studies socio-economic conditions of the visually handicapped.
- Focuses on education, preventive and curative aspects of sightlessness.
- Plans to develop training modules for adults.
Legacy:
- Impact: The school has made significant strides in the education and rehabilitation of visually impaired individuals, fostering their integration into society and the workforce.
- Commemoration: The Department of Posts has issued a postage stamp to honor the school’s 100 years of dedicated service and contribution to the visually handicapped community.
Significance:
The Calcutta Blind School’s centenary celebrates a legacy of transforming lives through education, vocational training, and innovative support for the visually impaired, reflecting its enduring commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.