Last month, I happened to visit a school for blind children at Baramullah. I spent a lot of time there, talking to the children and trying to understand them and their dreams and how they look at their future prospects of adjusting in the mainstream society. It was a surprise for me to know that they were not at all interested in getting enrolled for candle making, cane crafts or book binding(The usual courses offered to blind), and instead wanted to study and work as regular people. They were bright, full of zest for life and were hopeful of a bright future. They sang songs and clapped enthusiastically for whichever of them took his/her turn at singing. I realized that they were most fond of music. Perhaps that gave them most joy. There are around 25 children studying and living there and all they wish for is a talking watch for each one of them and a set of musical instruments. (Harmonium, tabla and a few other things , names of which I have forgotten. If anybody would be interested in gifting them these watches or musical instruments, please do inform. Also, if anyone willing to donate a talking computer.
