UMEED Initiative – DC launches Annie Smart classroom for Visually Impaired students in Braille Bhawan 

Ludhiana, January 30, 2025: As part of the district administration's Uplifting Mission for Education and Empowerment of Divyangjans (UMEED) project, Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal on Thursday launched the Annie Smart Classroom for visually impaired students at the Government Institute for Blind in Jamalpur. This initiative aims to make Braille learning more engaging and accessible, paving the way for a more inclusive educational environment.

Seven Annie devices have been installed in the classroom to revolutionize early Braille learning through interactive audio lessons and gamified activities. Deputy Commissioner Jorwal emphasized that the Annie device addresses the challenges of learning Braille, which typically requires constant supervision from a specialized tutor. He described the device as compact, roughly the size of a telephone, equipped with a Braille keyboard, Braille display, Braille Writing System and built-in speakers. It features a human voice guiding system that provides continuous feedback and corrective suggestions, enabling students to learn effectively and independently.

Additionally, 35 Daisy devices have been provided to the students of the Government Institute for Blind, which contain more than 6 million digital audio books for visually impaired individuals. Furthermore, 20 students from the institute will receive singing and music training from the Ishmeet Singh Music Institute as part of the UMEED project. Later, the administration will organize a music talent hunt program to give these students a platform to showcase their talents.

Deputy Commissioner Jorwal described this event as a “red letter day,” stating that individuals with disabilities are integral members of our society. He affirmed that the administration is committed to providing them with support and opportunities, emphasizing that they deserve the same rights as others. He also stated that he had also held discussions with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian to initiate this project at the state level to support students in need.

Jorwal expressed gratitude to Lokesh Jain from TK Steels and Divakar Jain from Prime Steels for their support in this project. He also thanked IDBI Bank for contributing interactive panels and furniture in six government schools, including the Government Institute for Blind. 

The Deputy Commissioner recognized the contributions of Principal Paramjit Kaur from the Government Institute for Blind in enhancing the school's quality. Key attendees at the event included Assistant Commissioner Payal Goyal, DDF Ambar Bandopadhyay, and others.