Content:
- World Braille Day: Honoring Inclusion, Innovation, and Independence
- Prime Minister remembers Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary
World Braille Day: Honoring Inclusion, Innovation, and Independence
Introduction
- Observed annually on January 4th.
- Commemorates the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, inventor of the Braille script.
- Recognized globally since 2019.
- Highlights the importance of Braille in inclusive education and access to information.
Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues)
What is Braille?
- Tactile representation system for visually impaired individuals.
- Uses six raised dots to represent alphabetic and numerical symbols.
- Includes notations for music, mathematics, and science.
- Invented by Louis Braille in 19th-century France.
- Promotes literacy and independence for visually impaired individuals.
Significance of Braille
- Essential for equality and accessibility in education, employment, and daily life.
- Over 50 lakh (5 million) persons with visual impairments in India (2011 Census).
- Addresses challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
- Promotes:
- Independence and dignity.
- Access to education and information.
- Employment and social inclusion opportunities.
Government Initiatives for the Empowerment of Visually Impaired Persons
Making Information Accessible
- Collaboration with the National Association for the Blind to make 10,000 pages of government documents accessible.
- MoUs with organizations like Inclusive Science, Mission Accessibility, and Vision Divyang Foundation.
- Focus on enhancing mobile accessibility using AI technology.
National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD)
- Established in 1943.
- Works on education, training, and rehabilitation of visually impaired persons.
- In 2023-24, benefitted over 2.9 lakh individuals through various services.
Model School for the Visually Handicapped (MSVH)
- Provides free education, boarding, and lodging for visually impaired children.
- Covers preschool to senior secondary levels.
- In 2023-24, educated 243 students.
Braille Development Unit
- Develops Braille codes in multiple Indian languages.
- Working on a ‘Manual on Bharti Braille’ to standardize Braille literacy.
National Accessible Library
- Offers learning materials in Braille, large print, audio, and E-pub formats.
- Serves over 55,000 members.
- Houses:
- 1,58,901 Braille volumes.
- 20,784 print books.
- 7,100 audio titles.
- Online Braille Library, Sugamya Pustkalaya, provides access to over 6.7 lakh titles.
Braille Production
- Robust Braille production infrastructure in India.
- Includes:
- Central Braille Press (established in 1951).
- Regional Braille Press (established in 2008, Chennai).
- 25 other government-established Braille presses.
- Braille literature published in 14 languages:
- Assamese, Bangla, English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, etc.
Conclusion
- World Braille Day emphasizes inclusive practices for visually impaired individuals.
- India’s initiatives aim to ensure dignity and independence for visually impaired persons.
- Promotes accessibility in education, information, and opportunities.
- Honors Louis Braille’s legacy and encourages building an equitable society.
Prime Minister remembers Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth Anniversary
On Rani Velu Nachiyar’s birth anniversary (January 3, 2025), Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted:
- Her heroic fight against colonial rule.
- Valour and strategic brilliance.
- Inspiration for generations to stand against oppression.
- Role in furthering women empowerment.
Relevance : GS 1 (Modern History)
Historical Background
- Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796) was the queen of the Sivaganga kingdom in Tamil Nadu.
- Widely regarded as the first Indian queen to fight against British colonial forces, predating other prominent leaders like Rani Lakshmibai.
- Born in Ramanathapuram, she was trained in martial arts, horse riding, archery, and warfare tactics from a young age.
- Her fight against colonialism is a significant part of early resistance movements, showcasing India’s rich history of anti-colonial struggles beyond the 1857 Revolt.
Key Events in Rani Velu Nachiyar’s Life
War Against the British (1780)
- After the death of her husband, Rani Velu Nachiyar went into exile.
- She gathered a strong army with the help of Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, and launched a successful guerrilla war against the British East India Company.
- She reclaimed the Sivaganga kingdom in 1780, becoming the first queen to successfully defeat British forces in battle.
The First Suicide Bomber in Indian History: Kuyili
- Rani Velu Nachiyar’s army included Kuyili, her trusted commander, who is known as India’s first suicide bomber.
- Kuyili set herself on fire and destroyed British ammunition depots, a tactical move that helped Rani Velu Nachiyar win the battle.
Her Administration and Legacy
Restored the Sivaganga Kingdom (1780-1796)
- After reclaiming her kingdom, she ruled it for over 16 years, ensuring stability and prosperity.
Promoted Women Empowerment
- Remembered for appointing women warriors in her army and promoting women’s education.
- Her leadership and strategic brilliance remain a symbol of women’s empowerment in India’s history.
Cultural and Social Impact
- Rani Velu Nachiyar’s legacy is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, and her story has inspired numerous cultural depictions.
- The Tamil Nadu government celebrates her memory through memorials, statues, and events.
- Her life has become a symbol of courage, women’s empowerment, and anti-colonial resistance.
Significance in the Freedom Struggle
- Her story is a reminder of early resistance movements against British colonialism.
Modern-Day Relevance
Inspiration for Women Empowerment
- Rani Velu Nachiyar’s legacy is relevant in discussions about gender equality and leadership roles for women in modern India.
Symbol of Anti-Colonial Resistance
- Her story serves as a reminder of early resistance movements against British colonialism.
Cultural Icon
- Her life has inspired folk songs, literature, and films, making her a cultural icon in Tamil Nadu.
