Improved Accessible Library for Visually Impaired Students at Jadavpur University with Worldwide Assistance

News Desk, News Nation 360 : One of Eastern India's top universities, Jadavpur University (JU), recently celebrated the successful upgrade of its Accessible Library for visually impaired students in a historic endeavour that combines technology, compassion, and teamwork. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Amitava Datta, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University, stated that equal chances for all of their students have always been a priority for them at Jadavpur University. This updated Accessible Library underscores their dedication to innovation and inclusivity. They owe a debt of gratitude to their Rotary partners and alumni for helping them realise this vision. The Jadavpur University (JU) library in Kolkata has been redeveloped as a cutting-edge, inclusive study environment to better support its more than 230 visually impaired students. The library had been in dire need of modernisation with antiquated tools such as one slow Braille printer and was devoid of vital equipment for accessible learning, particularly in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. An immense collaboration of the Kolkata Rotary

Clubs (headed by the Rotary Club of Belur) and the USA (headed by the Rotary Club of Danville San Ramon), as well as the Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation (GJUAF) and others, effectively initiated this change. Supported by a Rotary Global Grant of over ₹38 lakh, the project was strongly conceptualised and spearheaded by two JU alumni, Rtn Vishnu Dhandhania and Rtn Dr. Ranjit Chakravorti. The updated library now possesses state-of-the-art assistive technologies, ranging from Braille E-Motion displays to Readit Zen Max scanners, Evo DAISY audiobook machines, Dolphin Publisher software, Braille embosser machines, video magnifying equipment, and transliteration technology. Major infrastructural upgrades included a unisex accessible toilet facility, tactile-tile ramps incorporating safety railings, sound-enclosed audiobook recording booths, a 20-student digital reading space, and large-scale Braille signage. Hands-on training workshops were also held to enable the staff and senior students in the use and management of the new technologies, generating a self-sustaining ecosystem for knowledge exchange. The launching event of the project was honoured by notable dignitaries like Dr. Krishnendu Gupta and Prof. Bhaskar Gupta.

Pic - Krishnendu Kundu