President Pranab Mukherjee received the first copy of the Sipra Das's book "The Light Within" here at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Speaking on the occasion yesterday, Mukherjee congratulated Sipra Das for her sensitive portrayal of some outstanding members of our society who, though sightless, have been able to achieve amazing personal victories.
"The triumph of the blind over daunting disadvantages proves that any goal can be achieved against all odds - as long as we approach them with courage, determination and faith in ourselves," he said
The President said that reading through this book, he was struck by the optimism of the small children, men and women - young and old, featured within.
He found that so many of them talked about an ability to see beyond what is visible and apparent, to see with their hearts, rely upon an inner vision and make an emotional connect with those that they interact with in a way that is almost magical and miraculous.
He said he was sad to see that so many of those blind who were interviewed have faced exploitation at home and outside.
The President said he has also noted that the blind heroes featured in Sipra's book do not consider themselves to be extraordinary in any way, yet it is remarkable how they make their way through the world as they perceive it with creativity and a cheerful resilience.
He said this publication will definitely make the reader more conscious of the tremendous capabilities of the sightless. Their experiences will, no doubt, give inspiration to not only those with similar challenges, but also to those of us who would like to reach out to help people like them.
Mukherjee further called upon all sections of society - especially the young - in schools and technical and engineering institutions, to look at the experiences of the brave people featured in this book and be motivated to also contribute innovative and technical solutions that can be applied to their daily lives.
