NIP NGO is thrilled to unveil the Braille Durga Puja Guide and the Braille Display Stand, specifically crafted for the visually impaired. We are also excited to announce the Differently Abled & Senior Citizen Friendly Durgotsab Award 2025.
Kolkata : NIP NGO, an Education & Cultural Centre for the Blind and other Differently Abled individuals, has joined forces with Forum for Durgotsab, Saini International School, and the Rotary Clubs of District 3291 to present awards to Puja committees striving to create inclusive Pandals for Senior Citizens and those with disabilities. A total of 250 Durga Puja Committees are participating in this initiative. Additionally, they have introduced a Braille Durga Puja Guide and a Braille Display Stand for the visually impaired.
The event was graced by the presence of many eminent personalities including: Sri Kunal Ghosh, TMC Spokesperson; Sri Dibyendu Barua, Chess Grandmaster; Sri Tapan Pattanayak, CEO of Saini Group; Sri Ashif Shah, Past President of Rotary Club of Ballygunge; Sri Dipendu Biswas, Football Player; Smt Richa Sharma, Actress; and Sri Debajyoti Roy, Secretary of NIP NGO, along with many other distinguished guests.
Speaking to the media, Sri Debajyoti Roy, Secretary of NIP NGO, said, “At NIP NGO, our mission has always been to create opportunities and access for the visually impaired and differently abled. Durga Puja is a festival of inclusion and joy, and through the launch of the Braille Durga Puja Guide and Braille Display Stand, we aim to ensure that no devotee is left behind. With the Differently Abled & Senior Citizen Friendly Durgotsab Awards, we also wish to recognise and encourage Puja committees who are making their pandals accessible and welcoming to all. This initiative is a step towards making Bengal’s biggest festival truly barrier-free.”
Speaking about the event, Dr Ramendu Homchaudhuri, District Governor, Rotary International District 3291, said, “Durga Puja is not only a celebration of culture and devotion, but also a reflection of our collective values. This initiative by NIP NGO to introduce Braille guides and recognise accessible pandals beautifully embodies Rotary’s commitment to service and inclusion. Festivals become truly meaningful when everyone, regardless of age or ability, can participate with equal joy.”
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Tapan Pattanayak, CEO of Saini Group, said, “Durga Puja is a celebration that unites hearts and communities, and it is our collective duty to ensure that this joy is shared by everyone. Supporting NIP NGO’s Braille Durga Puja Guide and Braille Display Stand is a meaningful step towards creating an inclusive festive experience. At Saini Group, we believe that true progress lies in building a society where accessibility and compassion go hand in hand.”
Background of NIP NGO: (National Institute of Professionals) NIP NGO – An Education & Cultural Centre for the Blind & other Differently Abled. NIP was awarded the “STATE AWARD” on December 3, 2012. Besides, it has been organising a number of awareness camps in different parts of Kolkata and other districts of West Bengal. NIP aims to help the blind and differently abled in every possible way. It has also been organising the All Bengal Chess Competition and T-20 Cricket Tournament for the blind, among other initiatives.
