What is Vijnanadeepam? Who is this service for?
Vijnanadeepam is an organization working for visually impaired individuals in Kerala. The primary goal is to convert printed books into audio format, ensuring free access to reading materials for anyone with a visual impairment.
Is there a fee for joining the Vijnanadeepam Audio Library?
No. Vijnanadeepam is a voluntary service. Volunteers donate their voices to create audiobooks. There is no fee for membership or for using the books.
How many books are currently in the Vijnanadeepam Audio Library?
The library has recorded over 5,000 audio books. This collection includes Malayalam and English literature, textbooks, and reference books across various genres.
How did Vijnanadeepam begin?
The initiative began with Rouf Manikoth from Kasargod district, hai who started a WhatsApp group called 'World of Light.' Due to limitations in transferring large books, the group later transitioned to Telegram to form the library.
How does Vijnanadeepam operate legally?
The library operates under the Indian Copyright Act amendments (Section 52 Sub-Section (1), Amendment 2012 Section (zb)), which legally permits the free recording of books for the visually impaired.
What is the current status of Vijnanadeepam?
Vijnanadeepam is currently the largest audio/talking book library serving the visually impaired community in Kerala.
What are the criteria for membership in the Vijnanadeepam Audio Library?
Membership is for individuals with 40% or more visual impairment. Applicants must submit a Disability Certificate issued by competent authorities.
Can someone with less than 40% visual impairment get membership?
No. As per library rules, only individuals with 40% or more visual impairment are eligible for membership. Individuals who can read without assistance are also not eligible.
Is there an age limit for Vijnanadeepam Audio Library membership?
No. There is no age limit for membership in the Vijnanadeepam Audio Library.
Who manages Vijnanadeepam?
Vijnanadeepam is managed by an Administration Team (Governing Body) which oversees all projects and initiatives.
What are the main responsibilities of the Administration Team?
Their main duties include organizing merit-cum-means scholarships, job training programs, and educational counselling, as well as holding the authority to remove members in case of rule violations.
How many visually impaired users does the Vijnanadeepam Audio Library currently serve?
The Vijnanadeepam Audio Library currently serves around 900 visually impaired users.
Who is the founder of Vijnanadeepam?
Raouf Manikoth is the founder of Vijnanadeepam.
I want to read books for Vijnanadeepam. What should I do?
Anyone interested in reading books can volunteer. You can enrol by filling out the application form available on the official website.
How are volunteer services accessed for Vijnanadeepam?
Volunteers are primarily recruited through the 'Voice for Vision' campaign, organized in collaboration with various institutions. The duration of volunteering is flexible.
What is the main focus for volunteers when reading books?
Volunteers must ensure they record the books in their original form, cover to cover, including descriptions of images and cover pages.
What are Vijnanadeepam's latest initiatives?
- Textbook Project: Quickly provides audio versions of all revised textbooks introduced during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.
- Editors Project: Creates employment opportunities for the visually impaired through audio editing jobs.
Who supports the Vijnanadeepam Editors Project?
The Vijnanadeepam Editors Project receives financial support from the Punnyam Charitable Organization.
How does the Vijnanadeepam Editor Team help the group's operations?
The Vijnanadeepam Editor Team assists the group in several critical ways: They clean up raw audio recorded by volunteers, removing noise and adjusting levels to create high-quality final audiobooks. They also handle the editing of the group’s cultural and audio programs and assist the Admin Team with tracking the progress of each book.
How does Vijnanadeepam help financially disadvantaged children?
Vijnanadeepam provides financial assistance to academically excelling and economically disadvantaged visually impaired students through the Vijnanadeepam-Punnyam Little Scholarship Scheme
Who is eligible for the Vijnanadeepam-Punnyam Little Scholarship?
The scholarship is awarded to visually impaired school children who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. It is sponsored by the Punnyam Charitable Organization.
Are there special facilities in the library for visually impaired teachers?
Yes. The Teachers' Library provides them with essential teaching aids and reference books converted into audio format.
What subjects and knowledge areas does Vijnanadeepam provide content on?
Vijnanadeepam provides knowledge through various channels: Career Guidance (information on competitive exams like PSC, UGC-NET), Tech Vision (knowledge about technology like AI, Android, iOS), and News Room (daily audio updates from major newspapers).
What charitable welfare activities does Vijnanadeepam conduct?
In addition to scholarships, Vijnanadeepam provides medical assistance, support for elderly care, skill development programs, and emergency relief.
Where does Vijnanadeepam receive financial support from?
The organization receives sponsorship for various projects from organizations like the Punnyam Charitable Organization and relies on contributions from administrators and other donors.