If we carefully analyse the various types of disablities, the blind take, arguably, the most pitiful state. There are considerable number of the blind in our society. There are those born blind and those who became blindness during their life on earth.  

Those born blind would have never seen anything in their lifetime. They really would not know what actually they are missing as compared to the ordinary person. They do not know the actual danger of crossing the road nor do they not know whether there are any potholes to be avoided.   

In that respect, those who are blind, but not blind since birth suffer additional trauma and fear  since they have already seen for themselves the potential  risk and danger they might face.

For the blind, I reckon, day and night is about the same. They also do not know the colour of skin (black, brown or white). For them being beautiful or ugly is meaningless. Since they are blind, they concentrate and rely very much more on their remaining available senses.

It should be noted that amongst those who are physically challenged, the blind need more care than the others. Not while they are at home but when they are out. All of us should be able to comprehend this if we close both of our eyes for just one minute.

Since every step they make is a triumph, they have to be extra careful before making each step to reach their intended destinations. In my past experience, I realise that they prefer to do any activity on their own unless they can’t. So we need to help them only when they really need the help.

The government and private offices need to be more blind-friendly. Having toilets and lifts that are blind-friendly alone is not enough. Sufficient jobs suitable for the blind should also be reserved for them.

At the moment only a ‘telephone operator’ position seems to be their profession. What about the other positions and professions?

Some blind, either willingly or forcefully, are moonlighting by begging from patrons at restaurants and food outlets. They are normally escorted by a normal person. This clearly indicates that there are some syndicates behind this.

I strongly believe that the syndicates take a bigger chunk of the money than the blind person (who did the hard work and who got the ‘sympathy money’ from the patrons).

The blind can indulge themselves in cottage industries. The government should boost the training opportunities for the blind for various careers in this field.