Learning experiences at the XRCVC

The Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) has been operating in St. Xavier's College, Mumbai for the past few years. Being a student of this college for the last four years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the XRCVC. The XRCVC mainly deals with visually challenged students, spreading its wings over challenged members of the college, as well as members who have approached it from various other institutions.
The experience of working with the XRCVC is one of learning and understanding, which manages to create a strong impact on each and every individual. As 'normal' people, majority of us always view the disabled as helpless and weak. It has always been our sympathy and at times empathy that played a major role while dealing with them. The workings of the XRCVC help you learn an entirely new definition of disability. Disability can now be described as 'Difference is ability'.
The workshop called Anatrchakshu, that is organised by the XRCVC during Malhar is another way in which you can not only view the ability of the disabled, but also experience it for yourself. Antarchakshu guides you through the day to day life of the disabled, forcing you to put yourself in their shoes and see that being disabled is actually not a big layback. Antarchakshu helps you use your senses differently to carry on with your day to day life as a disabled.
The main focus of Antarchakshu is therefore to create awareness about the capabilities of the disabled so that they are not treated any differently from the others. The workshop also aims at helping you realise the dignity and self respect that the disabled hold. Antarchakshu therefore once experienced is always remembered, helping you with its valuable lesson throughout your life.

Beauty through an inner eye

The world of art is filled with immense beauty that depicts the wonderful life that we see around us. Paintings, sculptures and photographs can create a perfect picture of beauty in our minds and touch our hearts to its very core. The pictures posted above are representations of such beauty that can capture our awe in many ways. Can you make a guess on who would be the creators of these wonderful pieces of art? These are the creations of people who have been visually challenged.

As humans we always rely on our senses in order to live a comfortable and successful life. Therefore, many of us believe that the lack of one of these senses, especially our eyesight could hamper the way we live life in. This is not the case! Confidence and dedication can work wonders for the visually challenged in the same way as it would work for a 'normal' person. The pictures above are a perfect proof of the normality of life, as we see it, that a visually challenged can experience too.

Antarchakshu exhibits the works of such down to earth and successful people that create a name for themselves inspite of their disability. Its a completely fun way to experience a different way of life. Antarchakshu explains the works of the visually challenged with the help of a exhibition that is well decorated by a number of students. The individuality of the works posted on this exhibition invoke a feeling of complete wonder and respect for their talent. Antarchakshu, therefore works towards dispelling the myth of sympathy or empathy that we might have for the visually challenged, giving them an equal pedestial to stand on. For the work it does, the name 'Antarchakshu' is aptly given, helping us appreciate things with an inner eye rather than a superficial view.

This is a wonderful sight that will you a broader picture of the capabilities and talents of the visually challenged.

http://www.artbeyondsight.org/change/e-gallery.shtml

Antarchakshu is begining again!!!

Being organised for the past three years, Antarchakshu has not only created a large impact, but also has an enormous fan following, which has increased the popularity of this event. Antarchakshu is generally held during the days of Malhar. Therefore as the days for Malhar pass by at a fast pace, Antarchakshu has begun its planning and preparations for this year in full swing.

For the benefit of those who have not had the opportunity to experience the fun and individuality of Antarchakshu, I would like to say that this event cum workshop is an opportunity that you should prevail to at least once in your life....the sooner, the better!!! Antarchakshu aims to give its participants a real life opportunity to step into the shoes of the ‘disabled’ and make a choice for themselves whether living with disabilities is an impossibility or just normality with a difference.

The event has three sections – The obstacle course, the Games area and the Exhibition. The obstacle course gives the participants the experience to ‘move’ with mobility aids within a simulated outdoor and indoor environment. The games area brings out the day to day activities. And the Exhibition is a display of works and life stories of persons with disabilities having pursued careers which we least imagine them to. Also showcased are unique aids and appliances which persons with disabilities use to live their lives.
In all Antarchakshu is an eye opener with eyes shut. An opportunity to know a not so discovered world!