The Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) Empowers 75 Visually Impaired Individuals in Pune with AI Smart Glasses
The event highlights the role of assistive technology in education and inclusive empowerment
Pune: The Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP), a US-based non-profit organization with Special Consultative Status at the United Nations ECOSOC, held its eighth empowerment event in Maharashtra at the Divyang Kalyankari Sanstha & Research Center, Wanwadi. The initiative aimed to enhance educational opportunities and independence for visually impaired individuals by integrating assistive technology.
During the event, 75 visually impaired beneficiaries received AI Smart Glasses, a device designed to aid learning, reading, and navigation. The initiative marked yet another step in VOSAP’s mission to make innovation and accessibility integral to inclusive growth.
Dr. Rajendra Hiremath, National Awardee, a polio survivor and former Chairman and Director of Janseva Sahakari Bank Ltd., graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he underscored the importance of self-reliance among persons with disabilities, urging them to become “job creators rather than job seekers.” He also discussed collaborative efforts between the bank and VOSAP to promote entrepreneurship among Divyangjan.
Joining virtually from Los Angeles, VOSAP Founder Pranav Desai shared compelling examples of how assistive technology and skill-based support can transform lives. He reiterated VOSAP’s commitment to enabling every specially abled individual to contribute meaningfully to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
India’s first Paralympic Gold Medalist, Murlikant Petkar (1972, Heidelberg), also addressed the gathering virtually, commending the initiative for empowering persons with disabilities and acknowledging VOSAP’s sustained efforts. London-based donor Anurima attended the event in person, expressing her happiness at being part of an initiative that “creates real change on the ground.”
The event was coordinated by Dr. Uttam Ojha, VOSAP Adviser, with on-ground support from Dhruv Chavda and Aarti Takawane. Adv. Murlidhar Kachare, Chairman of Divyang Kalyankari Shikshan Sanstha, proposed the vote of thanks, reaffirming the institution’s partnership with VOSAP for continued impact. A hands-on training session, led by Sunbots Innovation LLP and represented by Mohammad Faiz, ensured that each beneficiary could effectively operate the AI Smart Glasses.
With this initiative, VOSAP’s reach in Maharashtra has now extended to over 3,600 empowered beneficiaries, reflecting its enduring vision of harnessing technology to build a more inclusive and accessible society.
