Rotary gifts a state-of-the-art library for visually-challenged at Jadavpur University

When you push open the door of the accessible library’s main room, the first face that will catch your attention is that of Shubhojit — the most energetic young man, always wearing a smile. Ask him anything, and he will promptly spring into action. Welcome to the world of Shubhojit, Shubhodip, Bablu, Akash, Asikul, and many more visually-impaired students of Jadavpur ­University (JU), Kolkata, who are pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and even doctoral studies. Each day presents its own set of challenges, but their spirit is never daunted by the weight of those struggles. The accessible library at this varsity is their home away from home — a place where their needs are understood and their voices heard, and where they are equal stakeholders alongside the faculty and administration in shaping the future they deserve.

The accessible library was born in 2018, nestled inside the Centre of Disability building of the varsity. Fuelled by the sheer determination of its students and supported by the faculty, the registrar, and the then vice-chancellor, it soon found a home in a room on the ground floor of the central library. But the path was far from easy. In the years following the Covid pandemic, government support dwindled, leaving the library with just one outdated Braille printer. The process of converting textbooks into Braille took up to eight months — far too long to meet the urgent academic demands of the students. Critical equipment — digital braille embossers, audio book creators, transliteration software, or even a simple text-to-speech converter — were all missing. The students were eager to learn, but the system couldn’t always keep up.

Then came a turning point. JU pro vice-chancellor Prof Amitava Datta reached out to Dr Ranjit Chakravorti, president of the Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation, USA, and a 1961 batch Chemical Engineering graduate from the college. Deeply moved by the cause, Dr Chakravorti brought on board his Rotary Club of Danville San Ramon in California. He also reached out to the Rotary Club of Belur in his hometown, Kolkata, and a global grant project began to take shape.

The partnership expanded quickly. RCs Richmond and Chico in California, and Calcutta South City Towers, Chowringhee, Yuvis and North-East in India joined in. So did the JU Alumni Association of Georgia, USA, and the Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation. Together, they envisioned a modern, inclusive space for visually-impaired students. JU alumnus Vishnu Dhandhania from RC Belur took the lead, and thanks to his commitment, the project received TRF approval and ₹38 lakh funding within just two months.

The transformation began with JU allocating an adjacent room as a dedicated reading room. Once the civil work was done, it was furnished with air conditioning, reading tables, and chairs — enough to welcome 20 students at a time. Then came the real change: state-of-the-art assistive technology was installed. The library now boasts Braille E-Motion devices with speech output in English and Hindi, Readit Zen Max scanners and magnifiers for low vision, DAISY-format audiobook players, Dolphin Publisher software, powerful Braille embossers, and portable as well as desktop video magnifiers. A2 size multifunction printers and transliteration software made the library more adaptive than ever.

The infrastructure also ­underwent a significant upgrade. A toilet block was transformed into a spacious, ­unisex accessible restroom with wheelchair access and safety features. Tactile-ramps with railings were added to the library and reading room entrances. Three soundproof recording rooms were built for high-quality audiobook creation. Braille signage now guides students to emergency exits, restrooms and access points — every detail designed to ensure comfort, safety and autonomy.

But technology alone isn’t enough. To ensure sustainability, training workshops were conducted for library staff and senior students. They now know how to operate complex devices, help peers navigate digital resources, and manage library services with minimal external assistance.

From the initial implementation meeting on Jan 21, 2025, it took just three months to bring the vision to life. The upgraded library was inaugurated on May 2, 2025. The event was attended by RI Director Anirudha ­Roychowdhury, DG Krishnendu Gupta, former JU vice-chancellor Prof Bhaskar Gupta, JU faculty members, alumni and Rotarians. Dr Ranjit Chakravorti flew in from ­California to witness the transformation in person. As the hauntingly beautiful tune from Satyajit Ray’s Apur ­Shongshar, played on the flute of Bablu, one of the students, filled the air, the ribbon was cut, and the upgraded library was officially opened — a moment of quiet triumph, dignity, and shared hope.

What makes this project truly unique is its spirit of inclusion. Students were not just beneficiaries but co-creators. Their insight shaped decisions, their dreams gave direction.

This is the first facility-of-its-kind in Eastern India, and it’s not limited to JU students. The doors are open to visually-
impaired students from outside the university as well.

Of course, not all problems are solved. As of now, the library mainly serves students from the arts departments. What about technical education? What about engineering? The dream is bigger than what has been achieved. But dreams grow when nurtured, and this project is just the beginning. As RID Roychowdhury aptly said, “There’s still more to do — more equipment, more facilities — we would like to do more.” This is indeed a cause that awakens the urge to give, to act, to dream alongside those who cannot see but envision more clearly than most. Let us join hands to expand this vision further — to protect the universal right to education, and to ensure that no one is left behind.

The writer is project manager
of the Accessible Library
Global Grant Project