In an effort to help blind students of the University of Mumbai, the student council of the university has decided to set up a centre for visually challenged students of the university. Keeping in mind the expense involved in setting up such a centre, the students have decided to organise a mini marathon from Churchgate to Haji Ali on January 11 for raising funds for the centre. Around 50 colleges and 10,000 students from Mumbai are expected to participate in the marathon, the route of which stretches up to seven kilometres.
Presently, the University of Mumbai has one centre for the blind at the Department of Students Welfare office at Churchgate. Aseem Naphade, a third year Economics student of Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga and one of the Mumbai University student council members said, Many blind students I spoke to have complained that they find it difficult to travel all the way to Churchgate. Besides, the centre does not have adequate infrastructure. I will be taking their feedback and also guidance from the National Association for the Blind (NAB) to decide on the facilities to be set up at the centre.
The registration fee for the marathon is Rs 50 and all the money collected will go towards the development of the centre. Naphade said he hopes to raise at least Rs 10 lakh for the centre. The centre will be equipped with Braille-enabled computers, besides other equipment. One Braille computer costs around Rs 2 lakhs. So we are thinking of buying two. The rest will be spent on other amenities.
Well-equipped centres for the visually challenged are already present at St Andrews, St Xaviers and Ruia College in Mumbai. One objective of the marathon is to raise funds. But another important one is to get colleges together to participate in this fun-filled activity and to get colleges closer to the University. Students can acquaint themselves with various university personnel during this event and know whom to approach.
Naphade also said that the centre could be set up in another two to three months.
The marathon was scheduled to be held on December 14 but was postponed due to the recent terror attacks.