Eye Opener
Every once in a while, Life introduces you to certain people or situations that can leave a lasting impression and a burning desire to be a part of the change process – making the world a better place to live.
She told me about this specially gifted real life “Batman” which was hard to believe. The question I asked myself after hearing about it – Can someone do that? And I just forgot to Google for more information
A week goes by and I had comfortably forgotten about Mr. Batman and the law of life is simple - if it must happen, it will happen. So, she talks to me about him in more detail and I feel so embarrassed having ignored the person and subject in discussion. I make a promise to myself that the first thing I do when I get home is to Google.
So before I Google, here’s how much I know - his name is Daniel Kish and that he is helping Tamil actor “Chiyaan Vikram” in the movie “Thandavam” play a blind man seeking revenge using a special technique.
The first words I read about this man in the article that appeared in the Men’s Journal March 2011 issue titled “The blind man who taught himself to see” were: Daniel Kish has been sightless since he was a year old. Yet he can mountain bike. And navigate the wilderness alone. And recognize a building as far away as 1,000 feet. How? The same way bats can see in the dark. I urge you to read this article which runs to 5 pages and perhaps it will be one of the most humbling experiences in your life.
I was deeply touched and went on to watch him speak for 20 minutes on Poptech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0Qc1Y_dtf4 about his training technique called Flash Sonar (Scientifically termed echolocation) and its usefulness to the blind.
World Access for the blind is an institution set up by him towards improving the quality of life of brothers, sisters & children around the world who are visually challenged. They have so far helped 5000 students in over 18 countries. Phenomenal isn’t it?
I went back to her the next day and thanked her for having mentioned to me about such a wonderful personality. Guess what? She asks me “Would you like to meet him?”. So, there I was early for the press conference of the Tamil movie last week and before Daniel got busy, I got to personally chat with this “REAL HERO” for about 10 minutes.
During the brief conversation I used the words “Your technique echolocation is so innovative……..”. He stopped me and said, “I wish to clarify Vasanth; echolocation by itself is not an innovative technique as it has been used by blind people for many years, what’s unique is my approach to training students learn this technique faster”. Honesty and genuineness at its best!
National Association for the blind (NAB) in India had roped in a few blind children for the press meet (call them early interventions) and I watched Daniel interact with a 3 year old blind girl. Daniel’s kindness, his patience and the little girl’s confidence – its hard to describe and quite emotional.
My gratitude and thanks to Ms. Nina Reddy, ED of Savera Hotel and President National Association for blind (NAB) who brought these magical moments into my life and got me thinking yet again on another tangent.
Daniel is back in Chennai in December 2012 to work on a project with blind children. If you wish to contribute to this extra special project which will bring freedom to many of the visually impaired children, here is what you can do;
NAB in association with UTV pictures is screening the premier of “Thandavam” in all six screens of Sathyam Cinemas the premier cinema house of Chennai on 27 Sep Thursday 10 pm.
Support them and be with NAB to make this a rocking celebration premier for the filmmakers.
For Donor passes call 90030 53989 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Donations Rs.500, Rs.750, Rs.1000 or more welcome
Be there, make a difference guys!
