Celebrating 24 Years of Impact: Life Skills Training for Visually Impaired Youth

Launch of Braille version of Eka Punarjanmachi Katha written by Dr. Manoj Bhatwadekar

Participants with trainers, committee members, Chairperson and the Chief Guest

Trainers - Left to Right. Ms. Yashodhara Deshpande and Ms. Smita Zankar

Participants with their Certificates along with Chair person, Committee members and staff of Snehankit Helpline

On the occasion of its 24th Foundation Day, Snehankit Helpline organized a two-day offline Life Skills Training Program for visually impaired youth aged 15 to 25. Held on 22nd and 23rd August 2025 at Deshashta Rigvedi Sangh Hall, Vile Parle East, Mumbai, the sessions ran from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day and welcomed 12 participants from across Maharashtra—including Amravati, Shahad, Kalyan, and Mumbai.

The program commenced on 22nd August with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, led by Chief Guest Dr. Manoj Bhatwadekar alongside members of Snehankit Helpline’s Management Committee. A welcome address from Ms. Parimala Bhat, Founder and Chairperson of Snehankit Helpline followed this. The event was compered by Ms. Mangal Raje, who introduced the trainers and the Chief Guest.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was the release of the braille edition of Eka Punarjanmachi Katha, a Marathi book authored by Dr. Bhatwadekar. The braille transcription was done by volunteer Ms. Sandhya Bhujang, with proofreading by Mr. Yogesh Chaudhary, a committee member who also read excerpts from the book during the event. Mementoes were presented to the Chief Guest and trainers by Ms. Parimala Bhat, Ms. Suvrata Samant, and Ms. Sadhana Vaze.

Following the inaugural session, the Life Skills training began.

Day 1 focused on Self-Awareness and Communication, led by Ms. Smita Zankar and Ms. Yashodara Deshpande.

Day 2 covered Relationships and Problem Solving, facilitated by Ms. Smita Zankar.

The event concluded with the distribution of participation certificates and a heartfelt vote of thanks, marking a meaningful milestone in Snehankit Helpline’s journey of empowerment and inclusion.