World Braille Day: Why India’s First-Ever Braille Constitution Is a Step Long Overdue

Six dots and six bumps creating constellation-like patterns across a white sheet of paper.

This is a coded language, which goes far beyond the contours of written letters and alphabets, becoming a universal medium of expression for the visually-impaired.

Surprisingly, all of it was invented by a 15-year-old French boy, Louis Braille.

Louis adapted it from the top-secret army coded language of 12 dots called ‘night writing’, from former soldier Charles Barbier.

From the 12 dots, he created a simpler version of 6-dots, Braille. In 1829, at the age of 20, Louis published his first-ever book in Braille.

Now, after almost 200 years, the world follows the universal language of reading and writing for the visually-impaired, marking January 4 as World Braille Day.

In India, a further step of inclusion was taken a few months ago, when a number of organisations came forward to translate the Constitution in the Braille script.

Swagat Thorat and Saavi Foundation, with The Buddhist Association for the Blind, Nashik, undertook the project and delivered the entire Constitution in Braille script, divided into five parts, as reported by The Logical Indian.

According to Satish Nikam, President, Buddhist Association, the publishing of the Buddha Vandana in Braille made them realise that visually-impaired Indians did not have access to their basic statute, the Constitution, thereby laying the foundation for this project.

The book was divided into five parts as the script could not cross the limit of 150 pages.

To further benefit from the project, they have also published booklets in Braille, including additional information and explanations for the visually-challenged, especially those in the line of law and justice, or even UPSC aspirants, Swagat informed The Hindu.

While it is a historic move for India, many other countries like the USA, Myanmar, Brazil, Liberia, Zimbabwe, Georgia, Tanzania, South Africa, Fiji, Macedonia, Mozambique and the Republic of Mauritius, had already translated their Constitution into Braille a long time ago.

In a country, with an average population of 8.8 million visually-impaired, such a move is truly beneficial and empowering.

(Edited by Shruti Singhal)

Representational Photo: Kartikay shukla/Twitter

You May Also Like: Idol of 12000 Nails: Unique Effort Makes Durga Puja Special for Kolkata’s Blind!

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: [email protected].
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Found Value in This Story?Pay What You Can to Support Impactful Journalism

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201
₹501
₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?