The Gift of Braille

Tanmay was going to the market with his grandfather when he noticed a blind man attempting to cross the road amidst heavy traffic.

- Laxmi Kanodia

Suddenly, a boy rushed over and helped the blind man cross the road.

Curious, Tanmay asked his grandfather, "Dadaji, if blind people struggle to cross the road, how do they read or carry out their daily activities? It must be so challenging for them!" "You are right, we will talk about this at home, Tanmay,” Dadaji replied.

After a while, Tanmay and Dadaji reached home. Dadaji got his cup of coffee, and began, "Eyes are the most precious gift that humans have got from nature. However, some people are either born without this gift or lose it. Those without sight face many challenges in their daily activities, but thanks to advancements in science, they can now carry out tasks like any other person."

"They can read and receive an education through the Braille script."

"Dadaji, tell me more about Braille," Tanmay curiously asked.

Dadaji started, "Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille script, was not born blind, but was blinded due to an accident."

"During his studies, he felt that the methods of reading available for blind people at the time were inadequate. He was passionate about learning and thought how he could help other blind individuals like himself to read without difficulties." 

Intrigued, Tanmay urged his grandfather to tell more about Louis Braille.