Jodhpur: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, laid the foundation stone for the ‘Shri Parasmal Bohra College for the Visually Impaired’ and its student hostel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on September 21, 2025. The ceremony, attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma and Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, marked a significant milestone in advancing educational opportunities and holistic support for differently-abled students in the region.
Redefining Perspective and Empowering the ‘Divyang’
In his address, Shri Amit Shah emphasized the vital shift in public perception brought about by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who referred to persons with disabilities as ‘Divyang’—emphasizing their unique strengths and fostering self-respect, identity, and aspirations for self-reliance. The Minister stated that “true work for the differently-abled begins when they are seen not as objects of pity but as symbols of divinity,” highlighting the crucial role society, government, and organizations play in their empowerment.
Transformative Initiatives and Strengthening Infrastructure
Three new projects, collectively worth approximately ₹15 crore, had foundation stones laid, each promising to further the legacy of Shri Parasmal Bohra Blind College, Rajasthan’s first independent college for the visually impaired, established in 2022. The institution, led by Sushila Bohra, offers free education, hostels, meals, audio books, Braille printing, screen readers, computer labs, and more, inspiring the visually impaired to pursue academic, sporting, and cultural achievements.
National-Level Reforms and Accessibility Drive
Shri Shah noted landmark efforts by the Modi government: increasing the disabilities department’s budget from ₹338 crore in 2014 to ₹1,313 crore, equipping 1,314 central government buildings and 90 airports for accessibility under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, and providing artificial aids to more than 31 lakh people in a decade—compared to just 7 lakh over the previous 67 years. He also highlighted India’s success in the Paralympics, with 52 medals awarded over the last three Games, reflecting India’s rising global standing in supporting Divyang athletes.
Inclusive Vision for the Future
The Minister underscored the collaborative potential when society, government, and voluntary organizations come together for welfare, as seen through the transformative initiatives in Jodhpur and nationwide. Today, Shri Parasmal Bohra College not only serves as Rajasthan’s exclusive degree college for visually impaired students but stands as a beacon of inclusive education—its holistic model delivering academic excellence, co-curricular opportunities, and life skills for the visually impaired, free of cost.
Conclusion
The foundation-laying event in Jodhpur marks a pivotal step towards equal educational access and social integration for differently-abled students, embodying the government’s and society’s collective resolve to foster dignity, independence, and opportunity for all.
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Source: PIB
