A Humbling Day - Empowering Visually Impaired Students

As part of our journey at CoStrategix, we at times engage in initiatives that connect us with communities in need, offering not just resources but hope and empowerment. Recently, I had the privilege of representing our company during a heartwarming moment – presenting 17 specially adapted computers to the students at Thuimai Vizhihal Trust School.

This was no ordinary day. It was a profound experience that opened my eyes to the resilience, determination, and brilliance of a community that has thrived despite tremendous odds.

The Thuimal Vizhihal (“Pure Eyes” in English) Trust School is dedicated to the education and empowerment of visually impaired students in the small town of Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, India. Led by Vel Murugan, this school is a beacon of hope for these remote students who receive virtually no help from their families and zero support from the government. Murugan himself is a visually challenged leader with a heart full of compassion and a mind sharpened by challenges. He runs the school like a well-oiled machine. Watching the students respond to his call was like witnessing a family dynamic at its best – with trust, respect, and love all rolled into one. Supporting the school is Ramya S., a coordinator whose dedication is evident in every aspect of the Trust’s operations.

These students are achievers, dreamers, and relentless fighters. Many have dual degrees and dual post-graduate degrees – some are even pursuing doctoral studies. The stories shared by the students were nothing short of inspiring. One student’s story stood out. Bharath is a remarkable young man who missed entry into the Indian Administrative Services this year by just four marks. Their unwavering resolve to overcome adversity left us speechless and teary-eyed. It was a humbling reminder that the privilege of education and opportunity should never be taken for granted.

Our mission was simple: to equip these bright minds with the tools they need to reach new heights. Each computer was specially adapted for visually impaired users, ensuring accessibility and ease of use. The smiles on the students’ faces as they received their laptops were a testament to the power of technology in transforming lives.

This initiative was made possible by the Rhythms of India musical extravaganza and fundraiser earlier in the year, which featured the electrifying Mason Rhythms band and was supported by the Indian-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cincinnati.

I personally delivered the computers along with my CoStrategix colleague, Ravindranatha Reddy. The computers were supplied by Fore Vision Technologies, whose CEO, Mr. Srikanth, not only offered the laptops at the best price but personally attended the distribution ceremony with us. 

This experience left me reflecting on my own life and the countless blessings I often overlook. Seeing how these students have turned their challenges into stepping stones was a lesson in resilience and gratitude.

At CoStrategix, we believe in empowering organizations, communities, and individuals through technology. But this experience reinforced something even deeper – the power of human connection and the responsibility we carry to lift each other up. For me, this was a moment of awakening to the possibilities we can create when we work together.