Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind-Report for 1999
Background:
It all began in 1968, when a group of friends set off for Sri Ramanashramam at Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu seeking realization. This group was led by 26 year old T.V. Srinivasan. Also in the group was a young boy, 17 years of age called Thirumurthy who expressed doubts on the purpose of self-actualization and instead advocated working for a social cause. Inspired by Thirumurthy, Srinivasan resigned his job and got trained in teaching blind people.
On his return, he started a school for the blind, functioning in a small room at his house, with a student and a donation of Rs. 60/- on 18th June 1969.
Today, the Academy has five branches covering different activities, and more than 2500 people have benefited from its 25 years of existence.
Sad but True:
Thirumurthy met with an accident and passed away on 19th June 1997, at a young age of 27 years. The mantle of leadership now fell upon T.V. Srinivasan, who with committed leadership and dynamic support of a team of youngsters, has built up a highly motivated institution.
Important Milestones:
1969: Birth of the Academy
1971: Introduction of Vocational Training
1973: Establishment of the Industrial Training Program
1980: Introduction of the Dairy Training Program
1982: Introduction of dance classes
1985: Establishment of T.R.D.C. Agro-based Training Center
1986: Initiation of SRMPS - Urban Slum Out-Reach Program
1987: Initiation of Computer Training Program
1989: T.N. Srinivasan receives National Award for outstanding performance from the President of India
1990: Initiation of 'Sourabha' - CBR program for the disabled
1991: Initiation of 'Soulabya' - special program to strengthen the institution
1992: T.N. Srinivasan receives Rajyothsava Award as best social worker of the year
1994: Initiation of 'Gramarakshe' - a development project at Kodihalli
Academies Pride:
The Academy works closely with several organizations and groups locally, nationally and internationally with the objective of sharing experience and dissemination of information. An endeavor is also made to project the courageous determination and versatility displayed by the disabled people through their participation in art, culture, music and sports.
Beyond Visual Horizon:Academy's APPEAL:
Charity and compassion are not what disabled people want to evoke. They want organizations and individuals to recognize their abilities and strengths.
Legal Logistcs - SRMAB:
registered voluntary organization
recognized by the Government of Karnataka
registered under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA)
donations are tax exemptable under income tax U/s 80G of the Income Tax Act
major funding received from Government of India, Action Aid India, International Agricultural training Program, U.K.
ASHA-AZ Project Status:
Funds requested: Oct. 1996 - Rs. 60,000
(towards equipment like speakers, spools and cassettes; expenses towards annual maintenance contract, minor breakdown, insurance)
Funds given: Dec. 1996 - $ 1000
Field Trips:
Dec. 1996: Srirams visit to Academy (no report)
Jan. 1998: Dr. Ramakrishnas visit to Academy (Photographs available…no report)
Current Status:
Correspondence with T.N. Srinivasan
FEEDBACK FROM ACADEMY
Dear madam
Greetings from the academy !
Thank you very much for your telephone call. Asha's assistance
for our recording sound libary (Shravana) is of immence help to us. The
studio is complete. The first stage of equipments has been has been
purchased and is in the process of installation. By the first week of
May, we intend to start recording. I will arrange to send the progress
reports shortly and also our further requirements for the second phase
of equipments.
Our email address is srmab@blr.vsnl.net.in
Kindly vist our web page at http://members.tripod.com/srmab/webd.html
Our fax number is 6638045
Thanking you
Yours in the service of the disabled
T.V.Srinivasan
(President)