http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2012/anniversary_2012/section3/102.htm
Vashkar Battacharya
Head of DAISY Bangladesh and YPSA Member
Five years ago, twenty people suffering from various forms of
disabilities, got employed due to the training provided to them by a
visually impaired person. He introduced a system that proved to be a
revelation for people with disabilities (PWD) and gave them new means
that enabled them to live life respectably. The man in question is
none other than Vashkar Battacharya.
Today, Battacharya is a member of one of the leading social
organisations of the country called the Young Power in Social Action
(YPSA). Together with the YPSA Battacharya, continues to spread magic
and help the disabled people of Bangladesh, who for years have been
neglected from society.
A graduate from Chittagong University, Battacharya provides training
in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), an activity that
helps PWDs gain important skills. His first encounter with ICT took
place in Japan where he went under a scholarship programme and came to
know about the digital accessible information system (DAISY) concept.
His friends at the programme often made fun of him because of his
disability. Those incidents however, only encouraged him to work
harder towards his goal.
It was his continuous pursuance with the PWDs that brought the
authorities of Braille library and DAISY in Bangladesh in 2004 and
2005 respectively. His achievements don't just stop there. With an aim
to introduce Bengali literature to the PWDs, Battacharya made digital
talking books using short stories of Rabindranath Tagore and other
authors.
It is because of his sheer determination that PWDs and illiterate
people can now access various educational fronts.
Apart from being a member of the YPSA, he is also in charge of the
DAISY focal point of the country. Vashkar Battacharya broke the
traditional norms of society which have compelled PWDs to lead
solitary lives for a long time. His intervention has given a sense
optimism to the disabled people of the country. One hopes, that the
government supports Battacharya and help the PWDs feel like they
belong to the nation.
Compiled by Star Correspondent
--
Organisational Learning & Reflection(OLR) Unit
YPSA(Young Power in Social Action)
Head Office:
House#F10(P),Road#13,Block-B,Chandgaon R/A,Chittagong-4212,Bangladesh.
Tel:+88-031-672857,Tel+ Fax:+88-031-2570255
Mobile:+88-01711-825068,+88-01819321432,E-mail:[log in to unmask]
Website: www.ypsa.org,www.shipbreakingbd.info
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