Baroda Association for the Blind

History and Foundation

The Baroda Association for the Blind was inaugurated on 24th March 1964 by Shri Mehdi Nawab Jung, the governor of Gujarat, this association was a standalone innovative project as there was no other place in the city & surrounding areas where a blind could stay learn how to earn for him and his family, the sponsorer of The Baroda Association for the Blind is The Lions Club Of Baroda (Main) and it’s their permanent project.

The Baroda Association for the Blind is one of the most famous and well-known institutes all over the country for Blinds, where blinds are given vocational training to help them become self-sufficient & to bring them in the mainstream of the society.

The establishment of The Baroda Association for the Blind was the noble idea of the members of Lions Club of Baroda (Main), especially Dr. Sudhalkar a world renowned eye surgeon.

The Baroda Association for the Blind, located in Subhanpura, Vadodara (Gujarat), is a long-standing non-profit institution celebrating 62 glorious years of service. Dedicated to the holistic empowerment, rehabilitation, and social integration of visually impaired individuals, the association actively runs programs such as the Sight First Programme of 2025-26. Sponsored and supported primarily by the Lions Club of Baroda (Main), it operates as a cornerstone of disability welfare in the region.

Mission

To transition visually impaired individuals from dependency to self-sufficiency by providing free boarding, education, vocational skills, assistive technology, and sports opportunities.

Core Philosophy

Bringing visually impaired youth and adults into the mainstream of society through structured education, financial independence, and holistic development.

Facilities shown below at the association are aimed to reduce blindness make the blind self-sufficient and finally turn them into entrepreneurs

Lions Club of Baroda (Main) sponsored eye clinic facilitates eye checkup and free eye operations for the needy.
Lions Club Of Baroda (Main) operated Physiotherapy centre trains blind inmates for physio exercises aimed at getting them jobs in a similar profession and it also treats patients
The homeopathic clinic is aimed to provide medical help to inmates etc.
Music, Computer, English Literature, Smart Stick usage, Mobile apps, etc. training are provided to inmates and they have their own bands also ,vocational training for competitive exams etc. Is provided.
5 states music and cricket competition is held every year to promote sports and music talents, the stage artists groomed in this competitions have even performed during the last visit of USA President Donald Trump in presence of Indian Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi which reflects the class of the programs, every year more than 500 blinds participate in this programs and receive cash and kind prices.
Thousands of inmates have received the above facilities and they have joined the mainstream of the society since its inception.
Association provides everything free of cost to inmates including modern boarding and hygienic food round the year.

Programs conducted here are attended By the Member of Parliament, Ministers of the state, Local MLAs, Mayor, Municipal Corporators, Collector, Maharaja Of Vadodara, Municipal and Police Commissioner to encourage the association, Lions dignitaries like International President, International Directors, Multiple Council Chairman District Governors also visit the association on various Occasions.

Footprints to the association till date are more than 10 lacs of various people from the society including the blind.

Inmates of the association are working in many reputed organisations including banks ,schools and many are entrepreneurs also

Our mail ID : fortheblindt@gmail.com

Web: barodaassociationforblind.org

1. Healthcare Centre

Eye & Healthcare Clinics: Features the Gordhanbhai Patel Eye Clinic for free routine eye checkups and preventative care.

Free Diabetes & Blood Pressure Check-ups: Regular free screening camps organized directly at the Blind Home premises for inmates and community members.

Physiotherapy Clinic: Offers subsidized physiotherapy and rehabilitation support.

2. Assistive Technology, AI & Computer Training

AI Glasses (Uses & Results): Integration of advanced AI-powered smart glasses equipped with real-time text-to-speech, object recognition, facial recognition, and obstacle detection. This technology yields remarkable results by allowing visually impaired individuals to read printed books, navigate urban environments safely, and recognize people independently.

E-Computer Training Center: Features a specialized computer setup equipped with screen readers and text-to-speech software (like NVDA/JAWS), enabling students to learn digital literacy, internet navigation, and software skills.

Smartphone & Mobile App Training: Hands-on training on accessible mobile technologies, social messaging apps, and banking apps to facilitate independent living.

3. Education, Vocal Guidance & Competitions

Elocution Competition: Dedicated public speaking and elocution competitions organized specifically for visually impaired students to build articulation, leadership, and public presentation skills.

Braille Literacy: Systematic teaching of Braille reading and writing techniques for fundamental learning.

Competitive Exam Coaching: Special coaching provided by experienced former government officers to prepare visually impaired candidates for public sector jobs (e.g., Banks, Railways, and Civil Services).

Alumni Success: Graduates from the association have secured positions in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), nationalized banks, government schools, and public enterprises.

4. Sports, Arts & Extracurriculars

Chess Training (Over 10 Years of Excellence): Structured chess coaching and tournaments conducted consistently over the last 10 years to build strategic thinking and cognitive agility among blind youth.

Music & Cultural Arts (Lions Sarvajanik Sangeet Kedavani Kendra): Training in classical music and instruments such as the Sitar, Harmonium, Casio, and Tabla.

Incentives & Recognition: Participants and winners in Athletics, Music, and Cricket competitions are rewarded with cash prizes, trophies, incentives, and free food for all inmates during event days.

Annual Competitions: Regularly hosts state-level music, elocution, chess, and cricket tournaments for visually impaired youth across Gujarat.

5. Sports & Athletics Program

Specialized Sunday Athletics Training: Structured coaching provided every Sunday under professional sports instructors and volunteers focused on developing stamina, balance, spatial orientation, and physical fitness.

Track & Field: Comprehensive training in athletics including Sprints, Long Jump, Shot Put, Javelin Throw, and Discus Throw.

Team Sports & Martial Arts:

Goalball: Specialized court setup and training using acoustic (bell) balls.
Blind Football: Adaptive program focused on spatial orientation, vocal signaling, and ball control.
Judo:Self-defense coaching to build balance and physical confidence.

Gym Facilities: Accessible gym space equipped with guided fitness equipment for strength and conditioning.

6. Cricket & Sports Activities

Pragyachakshu Ramat Gamat Kedavani Kendra / Sports Academy: Dedicated facility to coach visually impaired youth in adapted cricket, chess, and track events.

State Level Tournaments: The association hosts annual regional and state-level cricket championships, giving local players a platform to advance into state bodies under the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI).

7. Facility, Care, Financial & Community Empowerment

Free Boarding & Dining: Provides free, hygienic lodging and nutritious meals year-round to residential trainees and students.

Blind Assistance in Physiotherapy: Hands-on training enabling visually impaired individuals to practice physiotherapy effectively and assist in clinics.

Cash Support & Stipends: Direct monetary aid, stipends, and welfare schemes to support students, trainees, and families in need.

AI & Digital Banking Integration: Utilization of AI-driven financial tools and voice-assisted digital banking modules to foster independent financial management.

Lions Medical Instrument Bank (Operating for over 20 Years):

Running continuously for the last 20 years at its Subhanpura premises, the bank provides essential medical equipment—including hospital beds, air beds, wheelchairs, walkers, commode chairs, and walking sticks—to the general public regardless of age, background, or socio economic status on a returnable basis with nominal security deposits.

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