I am Theo, I am a Lit the Light Volunteer

Hello All,

Once again...Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series. Today we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Ms. Theofilla Paul” sharing her experience and moments with Lit the Light in simple words.  She is here to express herself on "What?... How?... Why?... and few more questions on dedicating her time, volunteering with Lit the Light"…in her own words.

These testimonies are considered as an assessment of Lit the Light’s performance and work on improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been part of us during our ups and downs. To continue with... Here's our Ms. Theo, a dedicated coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with scribe requests, as a reader, and also in many other field activities too.

Lit the Light's Coordinator Ms. Theofilla Paul's Testimony

1. Can u tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hey, I’m Theofilla, a software engineer at Scientific Labs. I enjoy drawing, reading, and freelance writing in my free time!

2. How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?
One of my friends shared a post from LTL on our friend group, so I looked up the organization on the ‘Grassroots’ app and was intrigued by its vision and mission statement. I didn’t really go out that much and felt this was an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, so I thought to myself ‘why not give this a shot?’. My first volunteer activity was to scribe for a model exam at Presidency College and ever since I’ve always tried my best to be consistent, so Barath offered me to be a scribe coordinator.

3. What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?
I think helping even in the smallest way can make a significant impact on someone’s life, and in the process, you help yourself too. Not everyone can do this consistently and that’s okay! One needs to realize that spending even a day of your week volunteer can be helpful, it gives you an awareness of the kind of life people lead and how resilient and determined they remain no matter what life throws their way. I know many people throw around this word a lot but volunteering here has truly given me a sense of meaningfulness and fulfillment.

4. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with LTL?
I think the most memorable experience volunteering at LTL is attending the Read Fest. I was able to witness the many talents of the visually challenged up close and I was so thrilled to see them perform so confidently with no inhibitions. LTL made sure to give recognition to every single volunteer and that made me feel fulfilled and appreciated.

5. Do you have any message for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?
I’d say just give it a try! It’s not difficult, it’s very flexible and convenient for your timings. If you can’t physically go and help, there is always the option of recording audiobooks. People always assume volunteering is some huge responsibility and that it’s saintly work, but it’s really no different from going out and watching a movie, it’s just another fun activity. In fact, I even introduced LTL to my friends, they were initially hesitant, but then realized how joyful it is to meet these people and felt it was a day well spent. So don’t be afraid to volunteer, just do it!

Lit the Light thanks Theo and appreciates her for her time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible way...Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Theo is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Theo, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.

Compiled by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer 

I am Varalakshmi, I am a Lit the Light Volunteer

 

Hello All,

Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series again and more ahead…, here we want to present the testimony of our coordinator “Ms. Varalakshmi” sharing her experience in simple words, on "What?... How?... Why?... and few more questions on dedicating her volunteering to Lit the Light"…in her own words. These testimonies are considered as an assessment of Lit the Light’s performance and work on improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been part of us during our ups and downs. To continue with... Here's our Core Team Member, a senior coordinator, a valuable team lead, supporting us with scribe requests and many other field activities too. This is an article for and by Ms. Varalakshmi on Lit the Light, her experiences, views, suggestions, and thoughts in her own words.  

 

1. Can u tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello! I’m Varalakshmi and I’ve been working as an assistant professor in the Electronics and Communications department at S.A Engineering college for the past three years. I’ve always enjoyed teaching and challenging myself to learn new things. In fact, I have been teaching myself sign language this quarantine!

 

2. How did you hear about LTL and why did you decide to start volunteering here?

During the 2016 Vardha cyclone period in Chennai, my father’s colleague from work added me to the Lit the Light WhatsApp group so that I can support those in need as much as possible. Since I had just finished my B.E in Electronics and Communication at S.A Engineering College, I was looking forward to spending time volunteering for the community, just a thought to give back my support to the society that supports us all…hence I chose Lit The Light. My first task was to scribe for a student writing their entrance exam for college admission. Following that, I volunteered to teach blind children basic communication skills and help out with their education at the “Poonamalle Government school for the visually challenged” every Sunday along with Mr. Barath, Founder of Lit the Light. Ever since, I have continued to volunteer at LTL by helping out in every way that I can, from scribing, coordinate scribe requests, and also reading for the inner visionaries.

 

3. What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?

I would say that I don’t volunteer out of pity or sympathy, rather, I do it because I feel it is my responsibility as an individual belonging to this society to give back what I can to support those in need. As a volunteer for the visually challenged, I can strongly say our empathy gives them the strength to perform with confidence. I am glad I could make a small difference in someone’s life whilst doing what I am most passionate about--teaching!

 

4. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with LTL?

I have several memorable moments volunteering for LTL, but spending the New Year’s Day with the visually challenged children at Government school for visually challenged, Poonamallee tops the list! I had a great time cutting the cake and celebrating the day with them. Another memorable moment I have is, attending the Read Fest, an extensive reading campaign for the visually impaired, hosted by LTL 2019 & 2020 (fortunately before the pandemic started). I had the opportunity to meet different people and hear their fascinating stories. Another moment I will always cherish is inaugurating the Lit the Light ACT, center for visually challenged career training and support in Porur along with my peers, it is a day I will never forget!

 

5. Do you have any message for anyone who wants to join us at LTL?

I think the most important part of being a volunteer is to listen. Listen to the needs of the student and make sure you are patient and involved with them. Because at the end of the day, they are no different from you and me, so treat them with respect and kindness.

     Lit the Light thanks Varalakshmi and appreciates her for her time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible way...Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Varalakshmi is one of the indispensable backbones of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Varalakshmi, for your time…support…and most of all, for being part of Lit the Light’s Team.

 

Compiled by Nandita Vaidyanathan, LTL Volunteer

Myself, Karthik - A Lit the Light Volunteer

 Hello All,

Welcome to Lit the Light's Coordinator aka Leads Blog Series, here we want to hear from our coordinating team about "What?... How?... Why?...and few more questions" as it comes...directly to our leads.  This can be considered as an assessment of our performance, and any improvement suggestions (if any) from our Leads, who have been with us during our ups and downs. To start with... Here's our Core Team Member, a senior coordinator, our Audiobook recording and Audio Library lead Karthik, and his experience with Lit the Light. 

1.      1.     Can you tell us a little about yourself?

 
Hi, I’m Karthik, an engineering graduate working in Eaton as a scheduler. I’m a Planning Engineer, currently staying in Pondicherry. I’m passionate about planning and executing projects on time. I’ve always liked meeting new people and hearing their experiences, their life story and what they’ve been through.

2.      How did you hear about Lit the light and why did you decide to start volunteering here?
 
I had found LTL through a Facebook post by the founder, Barath, and went on to partake in my very first volunteer project of scribing for college students. I further went on to record audiobooks for students pursuing a degree in M.A English Literature for a month, and after that, I have been committed to volunteering and coordinating activities ever since.
 
3.      What aspects of being a volunteer do you like the most?
 
Coordinating and being associated with Lit the Light is my passion. Having said that, I am able to balance passion and my professional work at the same time felt fulfilling and assisting the visually-impaired students with their exams and other academic work was a challenge we were able to overcome together. I was also able to relate my time with Lit the Light as a form of relieving my work pressure as it helped me divert my energy towards serving the community. Doing my part to make a difference in our society has enabled me to work towards a better cause and I couldn’t be more thankful.
 
4.      What is your most memorable experience volunteering with Lit the Light?
 
The day I finished recording my first audio book for Ravi, a student pursuing M.A Literature, I was filled with a sense of satisfaction and purpose. Also, being part of the team that started the Lit the Light-ACT in Porur, a training center that equips the visually impaired with special education that provides them with the necessary tools required to navigate their path towards employment taught me a lot about their perseverance and determination to make it in today’s fast-paced world despite their disability and motivated me as an individual as well.
 
5.      Do you have any message for anyone who wants to join us at LTL Volunteer team?
 
If you want to be part of an initiative that not only celebrates the talents of the visually impaired but also promotes inclusion and accessibility, Lit the Light Trust is exactly what you’re looking for. Work with the students by trying to connect with them on a personal level by understanding their needs to gain a soulful experience. Most importantly, to be part of this team, you should understand these students' needs your empathy, and never your sympathy. It’s not about holding their hand and pushing them forward, it is about putting our hand on their shoulder and guiding them along their side.

 

     Lit the Light thanks Karthik and appreciates him for his time and support for the upliftment of the Visually Challenged community in every possible...Lit the Light takes the opportunity, rather proud to brag that Karthik is one of the indispensable backbone of our organization and a role model for many other volunteers. Thanks again Karthik. 

Article by Ms. Nandhita Vaidyanathan

 OUR PILLAR OF SUPPORT MS. CHANDRA VISWANATHAN

                                            

During peak winter, we moved into a standalone home where the garden was covered with snow while the lake was frozen with no life around me, I was wondering how to utilize my quiet time in the month of January in US. I had been an active tutor always looking for opportunities to share my knowledge. That’s when I noted the call for virtual volunteering on the social media platform. I connected with Ms. Chandra Viswanathan instantly as if we had known for ages. She is a friendly person to approach and was approachable to clarify doubts on the recording process. She hails from Tamil Nadu moved to the US in 1998 accompanying her spouse to begin a new life in the country of opportunities. She was a postgraduate from the University of Madras, she completed her masters in the US and successfully started her career as a Business analyst. She was balancing her family and works successfully but she wanted to extend a helping hand to support the underprivileged in society. She was introduced to Lit the Light group through another volunteer in 2012. She initially joined as a fundraiser, proposal writer in English and she started involving in activities like book reading, a compilation of voice recording, and coordinating donations from US. She says she was impressed by the involvement of youngsters in the Lit the light team and their interest in social activities particularly supporting the visually challenged all over India through a novel idea of involving volunteers across different time zones. She utilized her administrative skills to organize communication through emails, connecting volunteers across the world, and maintain records of work through conference calls. She empathized with the need for support systems to establish an institution for a noble cause. She was able to provide guidance through instructions for various activities conducted by Lit the group for the betterment of visually challenged students in schools and Universities. 

Currently, she is a multi-tasker in the group as her activities involve receiving study material through mails from the volunteer coordinator in India, distribute information among volunteers and compile the voice recordings and send it to the library for further assistance to the visually challenged. As a voice recording volunteer, I appreciate the effort taken to compile different voices from volunteers living across the world and the freedom to serve from home.  Fortunately, her counterpart from Bahrain Ms. Bhagirathi was in the same frequency as Chandra, hence it was a combined effort to support the millions of students who were dependent on the prerecorded audiobooks to achieve their desire to learn in spite of the challenges due to partial eyesight or no sight. Ms. Chandra initiated the idea of recording in English and explaining the content in Tamil that enabled the students to understand the nuances of Shakespeare, Wordsworth, and Leo Tolstoy in a simple language. She recalls her initial days when students were totally dependent to explain line by line information which slowly turned to paragraph explanation and now its end of the page in Tamil. The collection of audiobooks in English with Tamil explanations is quite popular among the students as it enables them to comprehend the idea and express it in their own words to the scribe who supports them to write the examination.  Ms. Chandra has also encouraged the idea of promoting talent and she involved in events organized by Lit the light to expose talent exhibited by visually challenged students.

At the age of 45, it’s amazing to note the dedication, commitment, diligence, enthusiasm, zeal, wholeheartedness to extend support to the team of youngsters to build the nation. She is an inspiration to youngsters in the team and a role model for volunteers who wish to involve in social activities. Some prominent traits that we admire in Ms. Chandra are here for your purview 

• Effectively present ideas, views, and opinions to others and communicate efficiently.

• Engage interact with youngsters and involve them in activities.

• Develop a passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to supporting the journey towards a social cause.

• Work as a team to solve problems and come up with new ideas.

• Train to develop key skills for life and work.

• Create an opportunity to make a difference in youth unemployment.

• Engage in a platform to have a voice, build your profile as an ambassador.

• Extend personal support and guidance in your journey.

•  Register evidence of volunteering activity. 

• An opportunity to be connected to a wide network of employers, government staff, and other key organizations.

• A personal reference when you need it.

• Rebuilding society through social activities.

Author

– MS Nithya Vasu

 

Self development leads to Self sufficiency

 

"Know me for my abilities, not my disability"

–Robert M. Hensel
 

Everybody might have a personal story to share, but very few raise-up to be an Inspiration. Let me introduce you all to one such role model…

Mr. Prabhu, M.Sc., B.Ed., Ph.D. (pursuing) is a 35-year-old, visually challenged stereotype breaker. He is a talented drummer, an affectionate father, a renowned literatus, a volunteer for a social cause he believes in… and much more!

He is a role model for persistence, with his perseverance and passion, he constantly overcomes his inner and external hindrances.  He is a positive person to be appreciated. Always glad to accept the challenges in his way and never complaints and grateful to the supportive society and the good souls who push him to conquer his goals.

In spite of the standstill pandemic COVID situation, he keeps up his passion as his priority and his never-give-up attitude is a lesson for all. Instead of seeking the other's supports, he constantly finds a way to support himself and his near and dear ones through this situation.

With too many feathers in his cap, he is running a small-scale business for a living now, funded by Lit the Light Trust.  Financial self-sufficiency and security for himself and his family is his prime goal. Of course, such a lifestyle will obviously reduce his rate of dependency and he will be a better contributor to society.

He is currently doing his doctoral research work on how to create a better environment using technology-aided tools to make education reach out to his fellow visually challenged. Once published, his research will impact many visually challenged in a much effective way for their education.

As he explains about himself, he is an introvert, but his actions speak louder for him than his words. Lit the Light is proud of his attitude and how he has developed himself with the support provided for him. Hence, The Lit the Light appeals to the society we live-in to support the visually challenged we come across or contact us, to help them live a good self-sufficient life in the mainstream.

This article is published by Lit the Light, a non-profit organization, exclusively to support the Visually Challenged. We organize many activities to uplift the life of Visually Challenged with One day at a time as the goal. No support is low or high, every support is a necessity.

One of our activity is career support, we have a long list of job seekers with varied skilled profiles, and we would be much grateful if you or any of your contacts…entrepreneurs, recruiters who support inclusive employment …Please contact us, we are actively and sincerely trying to place them. 

Help us support the visually challenged to see the light by the end of the tunnel. Please contact us with any available job/career opportunities. Please spread the word and make our appeal worthy.

Article by: Ms. Meera, Lit the Light Volunteer

To contact us:

Website: www.litthelight.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LitTheLight

Instagram: https://instagram.com/litthelight

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/litthelight-trust

Contact# 91-98949-49878

First step of Lit the Light Career wing

 “Inclusion is the only safety if we are to have a peaceful world”

– Pearl S. Buck

 

Lit the Light Career Wing (LTLCW) was inaugurated on 15^th march 2020 by Dr. Alby John IAS, Regional Deputy Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation (south) at Presidency College. With a lot of tireless efforts and teamwork by our leads and volunteers we have successfully placed four of our visually challenged candidates in a well-reputed company.

The success story of Manimegalai

Ms. Manimegalai

Life is a challenge and let’s face it with courage. Manimekalai’s journey is an inspiration to all. She lost her vision partially when she was 14 years and with the support from her family, she completed her graduation with flying colors. She passed out as a successful MBA graduate purely with determination to win over the challenge she was facing from her childhood. She wanted to start her career; she was advised to learn computers. She was guided by Mitra Jyothi, center for empowerment of women and NIVH institute for visually challenged to learn the basics of operating systems. Later she was given immense training by TCS at Bangalore and Mumbai to enhance her computer skills. She was guided by Lit the light career team to prepare for job interviews and years of perseverance, hard work led her to obtain a job as an Accessibility tester at Iteria.us Hyderabad. She is elated by the support given by her senior management and colleagues to learn the job and she begins her career on a positive note.

The success story of Rajkumar

Mr. Rajkumar

Rajkumar hails from a middle-class family who struggled to lead a basic living with one or two meals a day. He lost his father when he was young, and his mother supported him to continue his education. Rajkumar received his basic education from St Louis school for visually challenged and later graduated in English from Loyola College. He is an inspiration to aspiring youngsters who like to learn and expand their ring of knowledge. Rajkumar spent his time preparing for interviews with his association with Lit the light career team.  Rajkumar spent hours updating himself on current affairs and he enrolled himself in various employment forums. He was offered a job by Iteria.us Hyderabad as an Accessibility tester, development of testing system tools. He is thankful to Almighty, his mother for the blessings he received and the colleagues who support him in his current job. In this competitive job market in the lockdown period, his performance and self-confidence have led him throughout to achieve his goal.

 

The success story of Prasad 

Mr. Prasad

Prasad Arun from Chennai has been placed in iQuantM Technologies Ltd., which is a certified SAP Partner with its headquarters registered in the United Kingdom and subsidiary offices in Canada, India, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Prasad holds a Masters of Arts in English Literature and has been offered the position of a presale’s consultant with iQuantM at Chennai. Lit the light has been instrumental in his journey by helping Prasad coordinate with iQuantM from sending his resume to receiving his offer letter. Prasad has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Lit the Light for standing with him through this process and helping him realize his goal of working with a reputed organization. He also expresses his desire to see Lit the Light help many more such deserving candidates in their career and has a word of advice to aspiring professionals to not disheartened by the obstacles thrown their way but to rejoice in the knowledge that Lit the Light will guide them. Our hearty congratulations to Prasad Arun! Kudos to all at Lit the Light, especially to the Careers team, for this proud moment!

 

The Success Story of Balaji

Mr. Balaji

Balaji S from Tiruvannamalai is currently pursuing his final semester in Bachelors of Arts in English Literature from Madras Christian College, Chennai. Even before he has received his degree, Lit the Light has helped him land a job as Presales consultant with iQuantM at Chennai is a certified SAP Partner with its headquarters registered in the United Kingdom and subsidiary offices in Canada, India, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He has been offered the position of a presales consultant and is currently undergoing his training. Balaji is overwhelmed with gratitude for the constant follow up and continuous guidance from Lit the Light in his incredible journey from a student to a professional. Our hearty congratulations and wishes to Balaji in his new endeavor! A very proud moment for all of us at Lit the Light, especially for the Careers team, on this achievement!

Lit the Light's Sincere Thanks and Appreciation to Iteria.us and iQuantM for Inclusive hiring of our Visually Challenged Talents.

 

Author: Nithya Vasudevan & Deborah Jasmine

Endurance and Perseverance leads to success

 Perseverance is not a long race, it is many races one after another  -  Walter Elliot

What's perseverance?...

Perseverance is the quality of those who persevere and continue to do or try to achieve something despite difficulty or discouragement. Perseverance can also refer to the act of persevering, as in only through hard work and perseverance will we be able to achieve our goal and it will not be easy. Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles and discouragement. 

The idea of perseverance is nothing new. We understand it at a basic level, yet many of dont's persevere. We give up too easily because we haven't mastered the art of perserverance. I name it as perserverance art because it needs a creative mind to come up with the answers to all the negativity, rejection and no's you  are going to get when pursuing your goal. Without perseverance, your mind defaults to " Time to give up mate; you're not cut out for this."...Hence,without blowing the trumpet, one should diligently master the art of perseverance. I believe that perseverance can be used to achieve anything you desire.  

Life is interestingly funny sometimes... it's always testing us, challenging our resolve, while pushing us to the edge of what seems impossible. Many look at these setbacks as insurmountable obstacles...on the other hand, many others, who come across such problems asking: Why not me? Why not now?...These are the people who believe that no matter what life throws their way, they will persist and persevere and eventually attain their goals and objectives. What follows is a real-life story on perisistence and perseverance of an young man, that I think everyone will be able to relate to on some level. 

Mr. Palanisamy 

As promised above, here's the story for us to understand the importance of perseverance and endurance. The young man in the pic above is Mr. Palanisamy, a visually challenged by birth...and the captain for the volleyball team of Tamil Nadu Visually Challenged VolleyBall Association. 

Mr. Palanisamy, born on Dec 4th, 1987 (33yrs old), in Siruvathur village at Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu. He was grew up among 4 other siblings, an elder brother and sister and an younger brother and a sister, with himself in the middle, along with his parents. Father was a farmer, which wasn't very flourishing due to economical reasons and his mother a homemaker. His older brother, now a farmer himself has partial vision, and his other siblings has no known disbilities. 

One can imagine the plight of growing up with disability in a small town with less facility, in spite of that, he was a good student and never gave up on his education. During his school days he was always inclined towards sports and his school teacher, the physical trainer encouraged him to do beyond his best, for which he is always thankful. One of his school senior Mr. Sathish, who happened to be visually challenged sportsman has always been an inspiration and role-model for Palanisamy. Sathish led him towards his goal to achieve in sports. 

During 2005-2006, under the advice of Sathish, Palanisamy started getting trained for Adopted Volleyball, by YMCA. At those time, YMCA was only organization, specialized in training Adopted Volleyball, specifically designed for visually challenged. This training gave him the confidence and move towards his goal in faster pace. YMCA gave him opportunities to play tournaments and prove his worth. 

Unfortunately, in his first year of his college days, he lost his father to lung cancer, due to his excessive alcohol drinking and smoking habit. Even under this situation, he didn't give up on his mission, actually this made him realise his strength even better. He thrived to be more independent and achieve his motives, so he can support his family in every possible way. Hence after graduation, he prepared for TNPSC competitive exam and got a job as a Junior Assistant, Group 4 level in the Public Health Dept of Tamil Nadu. 

Junior Assistant as his day job, he continued with his volleyball games and started volleyball games event management for Tamil Nadu Volleball Association for Blind. This association does more than training visually challenged in volleyball, they support for the education and also help with training for competitive exams too for the deserving visually challenged players. 

Mr. Palanisamy, very humbly conveyed his gratitude Lit the Light, non-profit organization exclusively for the visually challenged for supporting his association, and sponsoring for their team during previous year(s) tournaments. He solemnly recalled the organization's timely support and conducting the event with no glitches for which he was very thankful. 

Mr. Palanisamy is certainly a humble human to get aquainted and get inspired. He has many good value to add to this society and his confidence is indeed contagious and his contacts will certainly vouch for the same. He is a wonderful citizen to this country, a responsible son to his parents, a caring sibling, a loving husband for his wife Satya, who happens to be partially blind... most of all an affectionate father to his little princess - his daughter. 

Well, a person with such perspective and attitude, Mr. Palanisamy deserves our support and applause. Let's all make every effort to give back positivity to this society and make our Planet a better place to live for our Future Generations.  

Gathered & Scripted by, 
Chandra Viswanathan,

Volunteer, Lit the Light

************************

Just for reference...

The origin of inclusive volleyball specifically for blind originated in Japan about 40yrs ago. In Japan, visually impaired people can play and enjoy volleyball as a ball game sporting event for them then. It was invented by physical education teachers in school for the blind about 40yrs ago and the tools and rules of volleyball were modified so visually impaired people could play by themselves.