Click to play videoNew Delhi: Sometimes you don't need to see to create works of art. It is just an unseen labour of love.
Sandeep Kaler is an artist who has never seen his creations. His canvas is his computer and his masterpiece - digital audio books for print disabled people.
This political science graduate turned computer programmer's artistic temperament comes to light when he talks about common misconceptions regarding visually impaired people.
Sandeep, who is a librarian at the National Association for the Blind (NAB), says, "If someone says, 'visually impaired people cannot learn how to computer' then it's extremely shameful."
Sandeep was born with weak eyesight and lost his vision completely when he was 15 years old.
However, his love for computers drove him to take a training course at NAB and from a trainee he became a trainer and though his vision may have faded, his strength of conviction remains as strong as ever.
"My personal opinion is that a person who is mentally strong can do anything. Lack of vision or any other disability is not a barrier for determined people," says he.
His opinion that is shared by everyone at the NAB - a training ground for future programmers and a place that offers support to visually impaired children.
NAB teaches these children to cope with not just their school work but also the curveballs that life sometimes throws at them. The messages of hope are made doubly convincing because a lot of the counselors have lived through similar situations.
Says NAB Project Manager, Prashant, "When I came to this institute in 2000, I got very good training. It was then that I realised how useful this kind of training and information is for people like us. Now I am trying to impart the same teachings to others in need."
Sandeep and some of his colleagues may not be able to see the software masterpieces they create, but their programmes help thousands of visually challenged people in India. It's their way of giving back to their community and showing the world nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.
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