Empowering the visually challenged, this Valentine's Day

They say love is blind, and in case of these visually challenged married couples, it truly is. On the occasion of Valentine's Day on Sunday, about 20 couples, who have set example for others, would be felicitated.

Samuel Manohar, a visually impaired who has made his mark as guitarist, and Tracy have been happily married for 20 years now. They are blessed with a daughter, who is now pursuing engineering in one of the reputed colleges. 

Similarly, Eranna, a tabla artist is married to Kavitha for the last ten years. As an ode to their successful marriage, they have rightly named their daughter as 'Khushi' which means happiness. 

These couples, along with 18 others from across the State, would be felicitated by IDL Foundation, a non-profit organisation that works for empowerment of the visually challenged. 

Manohar expressed happiness on being chosen for the award that will carry a cash prize, a certificate and a momento. He said that though he and his wife are visually challenged, it was never  a constraint to their relationship.

 "We are holding the event to show that love can happen between two blind individuals too, and also to raise awareness on blindness.  Along with this, we are also honouring 50 blind students from different parts of state. We have chosen the couples and students with the help of 150-plus NGOs who are associated with us. More than 3,000 blind citizens have registered with us so far," said PK Paul, Founder and Executive Trustee of IDL Foundation. 

‘Blind Pinkathon’The event will also witness the launching of 'Blind Pinkathon' to support women, blind girl students and children. Walkathon and other awareness and support programmes would be organised, under the pinkathon campaign, on a regular basis.

The event will be held on Sunday from 4 pm to 5 pm at NGO Hall, Cubbon Park. Entry is free for public, but the visitors have to wear pink dressses.