The logo of Vijnanadeepam with a headset on the top flanked by a open book in the center with the writing "Your Voice, Our Wisdom". At the bottom sits a glowing traditional oil lamp.

Projects & Programs

Our Projects and Programs

Vijnanadeepam is dedicated to uplifting the visually impaired community in Kerala through a comprehensive array of projects and programs tailored to their specific needs. Our initiatives are designed to achieve holistic development and empowerment by focusing on

  • Enhance Economic Stability: Provide essential support to improve the economic conditions of visually impaired individuals.
  • Promote Reading: Highlighting the importance of reading and fostering a love for literature.
  • Boost Academic Performance: Offering resources to improve the educational outcomes of visually impaired students
  • Facilitate English Learning: Simplifying the process of learning English.
  • Support Employment:Delivering audio study materials necessary for preparing for job opportunities.
  • Aid Disadvantaged Children: Identifying economically disadvantaged children and implementing action plans to enhance their living standards.

These projects and programs are continuously evolving under the guidance and supervision of the Vijnanadeepam community.

1. Reading Festival

The Vijnanadeepam Reading Festival, which began in 2020, is a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting the importance of reading and fostering a love for literature among the visually impaired. It encourages engagement in diverse literary activities and is implemented in collaboration with schools and institutions across Kerala.

Categories

Until 2024, the program was conducted in three categories

  • Category 1: For students from 4th to 7th grade
  • Category 2: For students from 8th grade to Plus Two level
  • Category 3: For individuals aged 18 and above

From 2025 onwards, the Reading Festival will be conducted in two categories

  • Category 1: For students from 4th to 7th grade
  • Category 2: For students from 8th grade to Plus Two level

The festival is sponsored by the Punnyam Charitable Organization, an American-Malayali women's group, and includes various competitions.

2. Volunteers Campaign – 'Voice for Vision' (Mizhiyakan Mozhikal)

'Voice for Vision' (Mizhiyakan Mozhikal) is a project focused on identifying and mobilizing volunteers for the Vijnanadeepam audio library. Campaigns are organized with the support of academic and public libraries, NSS units, Readers' Clubs, and literary forums in schools and colleges across Kerala.

We have successfully conducted campaigns in numerous colleges, including TKM College of Arts and Science (Kollam), Gems College of Arts and Science (Ramapuram, Malappuram), Sree Narayana College (Chathannoor), and Sree Ayyappa College (Eramallikkara, Chengannur).

3. Editors Project: Creating Employment

The Vijnanadeepam Editors Project is a key initiative providing stable employment to visually impaired individuals through audio editorial activities. Three individuals are currently appointed under this project, which is supported by the Punnyam Charitable Organization, USA.

The core responsibilities of the editors include:

  • Editing and uploading audio books to Vijnanadeepam libraries.
  • Performing audio editing for cultural programs presented by the community.
  • Assisting the admin committee in administrative tasks.

Currently, the editors serving in this project are:

  • Anjana Rajappan
  • Nabeel Kottakkal
  • Prajeel Kannur

4. Textbook Project: Keeping Pace with Education

Vijnanadeepam launched the "Vijnanadeepam Textbook Project" to address the significant curriculum revisions taking place across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. This includes ensuring the reading and recording of all revised textbooks introduced during these periods.

The primary goal is to quickly deliver the revised textbooks, teacher handbooks, teaching notes, and other essential teaching materials to visually impaired students and teachers. Vijnanadeepam has successfully completed most of the initial portions of the revised materials across the state.

5. Charitable Initiatives

Vijnanadeepam is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for its members with disabilities through various supportive charitable initiatives.

These initiatives include:

  • Assistance: Providing medical aid, supporting elderly care, offering educational scholarships and resources, conducting skill development programs, and offering emergency relief.

  • Activities: Organizing social and cultural engagement activities, and running awareness campaigns to advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.