Uttar Pradesh Opens First Braille Library for Visually Impaired

Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step towards inclusive education with the launch of the state’s first Braille library dedicated exclusively to persons with visual impairment. The facility has been set up at Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University in Lucknow and aims to strengthen access to quality academic resources while promoting independence and dignity among visually impaired learners.

Location and Inauguration Details

The Braille library is housed on the first floor of the Swami Vivekananda Central Library on the university campus. It was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Acharya Sanjay Singh, who described the initiative as a milestone in advancing equal educational opportunities. The initiative aligns with the vision of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which emphasises “education for all” as a core governance objective.

Extensive Academic and Literary Collection

The library currently houses more than 4,000 books in Braille. The collection has been curated in accordance with the National Education Policy and covers 54 undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the university. All academic books have been printed using the university’s in-house Braille press, ensuring uniform quality and relevance to Indian curricula. This reduces dependence on external suppliers and ensures timely availability of study material.

Focus on Empowerment and Skill Development

During the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor paid floral tribute to Louis Braille on his birth anniversary. He urged visually impaired students to become self-reliant and assertive in both education and employment. He also directed the university administration to expand modern computer training facilities so that students remain connected with mainstream education systems and the evolving job market.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Uttar Pradesh’s first dedicated Braille library is located in Lucknow.
• The facility is housed at Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University.
• The library aligns with the National Education Policy.
• Louis Braille developed the Braille script for persons with visual impairment.

Community Access and Inclusive Outreach

In addition to students, the library offers access to visually impaired persons from outside the university through casual and corporate membership options. It also includes a large reading hall with seating for over 150 students. By extending its services beyond the campus, the facility is expected to emerge as a key resource centre for inclusive education and rehabilitation across the state.