As the academic year drew to a close, Q2 felt like the quiet calm before a powerful storm of possibilities. But within that calm, we witnessed some of the most extraordinary milestones from our
HTBF community—moments that moved us, inspired us, and reaffirmed our purpose. From a visually impaired woman standing atop Mount Everest to the launch of a life-changing short-term training program,
this quarter reminded us that barriers exist only to be broken.
We hope these stories fill you with as much pride and purpose as they did for us.
Building Bridges to Brighter Futures: Inside the ESTT Launch in Hyderabad
A Visit to Metro Station as part of Mobility Training.Inclusive Exchange: An interactive event with industry experts.Computer Class at the Resource Center, Devnar School.
On June 5th, something quietly powerful began to unfold at the Devnar School for the Blind,
Hyderabad—a space already brimming with hope, now infused with purpose. The Employability Short
Term Training (E-STT) program by Help The Blind Foundation officially took off, welcoming 22 young,
visually impaired individuals into an intensive eight-week journey toward professional empowerment.
This transformative program, running till July 31st, focuses on strengthening essential corporate-readiness
skills like computer literacy, communication, orientation and mobility, and much more.
The opening month has already been packed with hands-on learning and deeply meaningful exchanges.
From navigating bustling metro stations with support from L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad, to participating in
the Inclusive Exchange—a lively dialogue between industry professionals and our trainees—the energy has
been nothing short of electric. Thanks to speakers from companies like Google, Infosys and Sutherland,
the students gained real-world insights while also sharing their own valuable perspectives on accessibility
and inclusion in hiring. Add to that the motivational visits by visually impaired professionals,
and you have a classroom without walls and with endless inspiration.
None of this would have been possible without the warmth and commitment of our Hyderabad volunteer
team—Ravi Srivastava, Ganesh Ramamurthy, PVBN Murthy, and Anjana Ashwin—and our fantastic trainers Rajkumar,
Sheik Shafi and Mani Deep, along with placement executive Vignesh Basuvaraj under the guidance of Sarbani Rani.
With four more intensive weeks ahead filled with mock interviews, advanced mobility sessions, and industry exposure, the momentum is only growing. If you’re in Hyderabad and feel a calling
to mentor or volunteer, we’d love to have you on board. Reach out at sarbani@helptheblind.in or WhatsApp us at 96772 222346.
The alumni survey was designed to assess the impact of our flagship programs—Scholarships and Skill Development—on students’ quality of life, confidence in their skill levels, and employment prospects.
The survey targeted 740 final year UG and PG students and was conducted between April and May 2025. Thanks to the commendable efforts of our volunteer base and the support from our partner organization, iVolunteer, 75%
of all surveys were attempted and 66% were successfully completed.
Among the respondents, 74 students (15%) had secured employment. Government jobs emerged as the most common destination (43% of those employed), followed by a notable rise in private sector placements (38%).
Encouragingly, 37% of employed students reported monthly salaries exceeding INR 30,000, with 4 students earning more than INR 50,000 per month.
A big thank you to our students for their enthusiastic participation, making this the second successful year of the alumni survey. We are also deeply grateful to our dedicated volunteers and to iVolunteer, whose support
was instrumental in completing over 100 surveys.
HTBF Community Spotlight: This Quarter in a Nutshell
Ranked 91: Manu Garg’s UPSC Dream Comes True
Hardship never stopped Manu Garg. Despite losing his vision during high school, the HTBF beneficiary (2019–21) from Hindu College cracked one of India’s toughest exams, securing an AIR 91 in UPSC 2024. With his
mother as his rock and resilience as his compass, Manu’s journey inspires not just the visually impaired, but every dreamer out there. Catch his earlier podcast with us where he shared his UPSC intent—proof that
dreams, when chased with grit, do come true.
Manu Garg with his rock solid mother
Anandh Breaks Barriers: Tamil Nadu’s First Blind Student to Write Boards Without a Scribe
Anandh’s story is history in the making. A student from a Tamil Nadu government school and participant of our Skill Improvement Program, he became the first blind student to write and pass his board exams
independently on a computer. From typing 4 WPM to 25+ with 95% accuracy, Anandh’s journey reflects raw determination and deep support—from his parents, teachers, and our trainers Prakash and Vinod. He topped his
school and proved that accessibility fuels achievement.
Anandh Becomes First Blind Student in Tamilnadu to Clear Board Exams on a Computer.
Chhonzin Angmo Summits Everest: A Blind Woman’s Historic Ascent
May 19, 2025. 8:34 AM. A moment the world will remember. Chhonzin Angmo, an HTBF beneficiary, became the first blind woman to conquer Mount Everest. Her journey—rooted in grit, grace, and vision—began in a small
Himachal village and scaled peaks across Ladakh and Siachen before reaching Everest. Supported by Operation Blue Freedom and armed with courage, Chhonzin shattered barriers and expectations. She didn’t just summit a
mountain. She rewrote what’s possible.
Chhonzin Angmo after a successful summit.
Short-Term Training at Cheshire Home, Coimbatore: A Pathway to Jobs and Dignity
When Cheshire Home in Coimbatore reached out to our trustee Mr. Nataraj Sankaran for support in skilling visually impaired youth, HTBF responded with a focused short-term training (STT) program designed to meet real
employer expectations. This special module included mobility, communication, computer training, and attitude-building to prepare the cohort for real jobs.
By mid-May, all participants from the first batch had secured employment at PSG Medical College and Hospital. We are grateful to Mr. Nataraj Sankaran for leading this initiative and shaping it from the ground up. A heartfelt
thank you also goes out to Ms. Meenakshi for her steady, on-ground support throughout the training and placement process.
Preparing for Tomorrow: Competitive Exam Coaching Initiatives Launched
Following valuable insights from our alumni survey, HTBF initiated two new coaching programs designed to support visually impaired students preparing for government and banking job exams—gateways to financial
independence and stability.
The first is a 6-month online coaching program with Ms. Odeta Vishav Chander, a visually impaired educator renowned for her effective training in mathematics and reasoning. Her sessions, which began in April 2025, offer
tailored methods that enhance learning for the visually impaired. Currently, 12 students participate, with new applicants welcome upon qualifying through a readiness assessment.
The second is a collaborative initiative with Veranda Race, one of India’s leading competitive exam prep institutes. With 30 students enrolled, this hybrid coaching model (online + in-person at Chennai and Madurai) is
equipping candidates to appear for the TNPSC Group 4 exams scheduled in July 2025. By combining HTBF’s expertise in education for the visually impaired with Veranda Race’s proven track record, this program exemplifies how
partnerships can power inclusive employment opportunities.
Cricket with a Cause: The HTBF Hong Kong Cricket Tournament 2025
What happens when cricket meets compassion? On April 4, the Indian community in Hong Kong turned a sporting tradition into a heartfelt fundraiser for visually impaired students. Held at Junction Road Park,
the 2025 HTBF Cricket Tournament brought together donors, players, and volunteers for a day of excitement, community, and impact. From surprise wins to generous sponsors, the event raised more than just funds;
it raised hope. Our thanks to every supporter who made this innings one to remember.
Hong Kong Indian community at HTBF Cricket Tournament 2025, Hong Kong.
A few heroes we’re especially grateful for are Mr. Ramani (Former HTBF Managing Trustee – India), Mr. Jimmy M Master (Director, HTBF – Hong Kong), Our incredible sponsors — Mr. Vashi Melwani & family,
Audrey from Kumsyoga International, Mr. Subbu from Cosmoss VU Ltd., Mr. Kan Lakhani, Mr. Viswanath & Mrs. Lakshmi Vemuri, and so many others whose contributions made this possible. And our gratitude to The
Consulate General of India – Hong Kong for their kind support.
Darshan Kamble Gears Up for Egypt After Kazakhstan Victory
Fresh off a sensational win at the Para Judo World Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan—where he clinched a key match against Georgia—HTBF beneficiary and 100% visually impaired athlete Darshan Arun Kamble is
set to represent India once again. This time, it’s at the prestigious IBSA Judo Grand Prix in Giza, Egypt, scheduled for August 14–20, 2025.A former student of Ruia College, Mumbai, Darshan’s journey is a story
of grit, growth, and relentless pursuit. With national medals year after year and a growing international footprint, he continues to break barriers in Para Judo. HTBF is proud to stand behind him as he takes yet
another step toward representing India on the global stage.
A Grand Game of Minds: 12th National Open Chess Tournament
From April 27 to May 1, over 250 visually impaired chess players ranging from ages 7 to 70 gathered at the Devnar School for the Blind to prove that strategy and focus know no bounds. HTBF, in partnership
with Grailmaker Innovations, gifted Space Felt QR labels to the 50 winning players—empowering them to organize and navigate daily life more independently.
Two visually impaired children at the Chess Tournament.
Training the Trainers: 15 Days of Transformation in Bangalore
This May, 32 trainers from across India came together in Bangalore for a powerful 15-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program by HTBF. With hands-on training in assistive tech, pedagogy, and soft skills, and
sessions led by guest speakers and volunteers from Cognizant and SAP Global, the program was more than educational—it was transformational. heartfelt thanks to Ms. Pooja and Dr. Parthiban for their invaluable
contribution to the success of the program.
A cheerful moment with trainers and the volunteers on the last day of TOT.
Promoting Inclusive Education—One Resource Center at a Time
We’re proud to announce the inauguration of two state-of-the-art Resource Labs at the Government Higher Secondary Schools for the Visually Impaired in Trichy and Thanjavur. These centers are a crucial part of
our School-Based Intervention Program, designed to empower students from grades 9 to 12 with English communication, computer literacy, and mobility training.
Made possible through the generous support of Titan Company Limited, these labs are more than just learning spaces—they are launching pads for potential. Our gratitude goes out to the Titan team, our
on-ground partners, and the enthusiastic students whose drive reminds us why we do what we do. Together, we’re creating a future that includes everyone.
HTBF Trustee Mr. Nataraj Sankaran inaugurates the Resource Center.
The Dialogue Box – Voices from the Community
Aakash S Mishra on discovering confidence, clarity, and his career path
Aakash, a recent trainee from HTBF’s EMET program, shares how structured learning, unwavering mentorship, and a simple laptop helped him transform from an unsure student into a professional ready to take on
the corporate world. His letter reflects not just gratitude—but the quiet strength of someone who now believes in his own potential.
Aakash Mishra, EMET trainee.
Media Room
From compelling blogs to inspiring conversations, this quarter’s digital offerings bring accessibility into everyday dialogue. Dive into our ongoing campaign For an Accessible Tomorrow, explore resources on
universal design and inclusive communication, and don’t miss our latest podcast episode featuring three students from IIIT Bengaluru discussing life, learning, and leadership.
With heartfelt gratitude
To all our donors—thank you for believing in the potential of every visually challenged student we serve. Your support lights the path to a more inclusive and empowered future.
If you’d like to be part of this journey, we warmly invite you to support our initiatives through a donation. Every contribution, big or small, makes a lasting difference.
