Hyderabad: The Governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Varma, led the celebrations for White Cane Day 2024 at Raj Bhavan’s Samskruti Hall on Tuesday. This event, marking International White Cane Day, was organized in collaboration with Friendly Environment for Disabled (FED), an NGO focused on helping the visually impaired. The celebration highlighted the importance of the white cane, a symbol of independence and empowerment for visually challenged individuals.
During his speech, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma praised the strength and determination of the disabled community. He said, “The Divyang Jan possess a unique energy that helps them overcome life’s challenges. This is possible because of their Divya Shakti.” The Governor also appreciated a dance performance by a troupe led by Swapna, a talented artist who is physically challenged. Swapna amazed the audience by presenting artistic portraits of the Governor, earning admiration from everyone. As a token of appreciation, the Governor announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for her outstanding artistic contributions.
The event included several cultural performances by individuals with physical and visual impairments, showcasing their incredible talents. In addition, there were presentations of innovations in assistive technologies. Among these were products developed by Spacefelt and Alien Innovations, which were created by Divyang Jan. The Governor also launched India’s first Assistive Compact Device, developed by a young innovator named Kiran, with support from the Telangana State Innovation Cell. This device aims to improve accessibility for the visually impaired.
Another highlight of the event was a demonstration by Ms. Asha, who showcased how QR code technology can benefit the visually impaired. There was also a presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on the disability sector.
To further support visually impaired students, the Governor released special books designed to help them prepare for competitive exams. The event concluded with a ceremony honoring 51 educators who have made significant contributions to the education and empowerment of disabled individuals across various institutions.
