Jadavpur University's library for visually challenged turns ‘barrier-free'
While the university had already established its Accessible Library back in 2018 with institutional funding, this year it has transformed into a more advanced and inclusive space—what many now proudly call a 'Barrier-Free Library.'
Previously, the library depended heavily on audiobooks. However, the time-consuming process of producing these made it difficult to keep up with students' academic demands. This transformative step came with the support of the Rotary Foundation and includes a range of imported assistive instruments aimed at enhancing learning experiences for students with visual challenges.
One of the most remarkable upgrades is the introduction of high-end technological aids such as two embossers, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) camera, Braille eMotion tools, and low vision cameras. The library has also been physically expanded, with rooms being extended to accommodate more students. Additionally, e-books are now being developed in accessible formats, making them usable for both visually challenged and sighted students.
Subhadip Mondol, a postgraduate student of Bengali and member of the university's Forum for Students with Disabilities (FSD JU) emphasised the 'life-changing' impact of these developments. 'This helped the students who are disabled and gave them a chance to get an exposure in their education with the help of this advanced technology,' he shared.
Echoing Subhadip's sentiments, Monojit Ram, a PhD scholar in Bengali from the university, said, 'This accessible library was there in this university, but the advanced equipment which has been brought recently has made the library more friendly for visually challenged people and have never made them be in the back row of the education.'
As this inclusive model continues to grow, its users believe it stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when institutions prioritise accessibility, empathy, and innovation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Wire
a day ago
- The Wire
Biggest Battery, Lightest Build — TECNO Spark Go 5G Brings ‘Double up' Power to Young India
New Delhi, Delhi, India – Business Wire India TECNO, the global smartphone brand known for bringing next-gen technology to the masses, today announced the launch of the Spark Go 5G — a powerful, stylish, and reliable 5G device built for India's ambitious digital generation. From students attending online classes in small towns, to creators capturing street reels, to professionals hustling between day jobs and passion projects — Spark Go 5G is designed to keep pace without breaking the bank. Living up to TECNO's 'Double Up' philosophy, the Spark Go 5G combines next-gen speed, smart AI, and thoughtful design — giving young India more than they expect, at a price they can reach. With 5G Carrier Aggregation and a segment-first 4x4 MIMO, it delivers faster, more stable connectivity than most entry-level 5G devices, and is also the segment's first 5G phone to offer "No Network Communication" mode — ensuring you stay in control when you truly want to disconnect. TECNO Mobile aims to deliver the best signal across every corner of India, showing why this mission matters. But speed is just the beginning. The Ella AI assistant, developed in-house by TECNO, understands the languages that truly connect India — Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, and Marathi — making searching, writing, translating, and everyday interactions effortless. This is AI made practical, personal, and empowering. Despite housing a massive 6000mAh battery, Spark Go 5G is India's slimmest and lightest 5G smartphone in its segment at just 7.99mm. Built tough with IP64 dust and water resistance, it's ready for everyday life, whether that's a monsoon commute or a weekend adventure. 'At TECNO, we believe technology should empower, not exclude,' said Arijeet Talapatra, CEO, TECNO Mobile India. 'With Spark Go 5G, we're delivering future-ready features at a price that truly speaks to the needs of India's youth. From advanced connectivity to localised AI and power-packed performance, this is about enabling the next billion digital journeys.' Under the hood, Spark Go 5G runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chipset with 8GB RAM (4GB 4GB virtual) and 128GB storage, paired with HiOS 15 based on Android 15. The 6.74-inch 120Hz display ensures smooth, immersive viewing and adds a premium design touch. Available in Sky Blue, Ink Black, Turquoise green and heritage-inspired Bikaner Red, Spark Go 5G is priced at INR 9,999 for the 4GB 128GB variant and goes on sale on 21st August 2025 at retail outlets across India. And because TECNO loves adding surprises, pre-booking the Spark Go 5G gives buyers a chance to win from a prize pool worth over INR 1 crore*. Because every great journey starts better with something extra in your pocket. *T&C Apply About TECNO TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of 'Stop At Nothing,' TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO's official site: To View the Image, Click on the Link Below: TECNO Spark Go 5G Brings 'Double Up' Power to Young India (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
India's first VinFast EV manufacturing plant unveiled in Thoothukudi
1. VinFast's first EV manufacturing plant in India inaugurated at Thoothukudi Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast's first manufacturing plant in India at Thoothukudi. Spread across 408 acres at the SIPCOT industrial complex in Sillanatham in Thoothukudi district, the plant is expected to generate over 3,500 jobs in the next five years. It is part of a ₹16,000-crore investment pact inked between VinFast and the Tamil Nadu government during the Global Investors Meet last year (2024). 2. Stalin voices support for Bengal CM Mamata Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed solidarity with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee, and objected to the Delhi Police – under the Union Home Ministry – reportedly describing Bengali as a 'Bangladeshi language'. 'This is a direct insult to the very language in which our national anthem was written,' Mr. Stalin said in a social media post. 3. Oraniyil Tamil Nadu: SC refuses to stay Madras HC order restraining DMK from using OTP verification The Supreme Court refused to stay an interim injunction by the Madras High Court against the use of OTP verification messages for the DMK's enrolment drive 'Oraniyil Tamil Nadu'. A bench of Justices P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar dismissed the appeal filed by the DMK, saying the issue is sensitive. Earlier on July 21, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court issued an injunction restraining the DMK from using OTP verification messages for its enrolment drive, saying the matter involves aspects of data protection and privacy which are to be examined by the court. 4. OPS clarifies on meeting Stalin Former Chief Minister and former coordinator of AIADMK O. Panneerselvam denied any politics involved in his recent meeting with Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin at the latter's residence in Chennai. Issuing a statement, he said he would neither be acting as the B Team of the DMK nor ally with it. Calling on people who return from the hospital and condoling those who have lost dear ones is Tamil culture, he said adding that he met Mr. Stalin to inquire about his health. 5. Madras HC to wait for SC order on naming T.N. government schemes after living personalities The Madras High Court decided to wait for the orders to be passed by the Supreme Court on Wednesday (August 6) on an appeal preferred by the DMK against its July 31 interim order prohibiting the use of the name of any living personality for government schemes. Appearing before the court, senior counsel representing AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP Shanmugam, said, the DMK had filed an appeal and made a mention before the top court. The Supreme Court had agreed to take up the appeal for hearing on Wednesday, the Bench was told. 6. Mayiladuthurai Congress MP Sudha's gold chain snatched The Congress' Member of Parliament (MP), R. Sudha, fell victim to a bike-borne chain snatching in New Delhi this morning. The MP from Mayiladuthurai constituency was robbed of her gold chain, weighing more than four sovereigns, when she was on her morning walk along with DMK Rajya Sabha member, Rajathi Salma, outside the Polish Embassy in Chanakyapuri in New Delhi.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
Top 10 non-IIT colleges and their EC course: Placement, rankings & recruiters
When it comes to engineering education in India, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) often steal the spotlight, but beyond the IITs lie some of the remarkable institutions that offer top-tier programmes, especially in Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC). Some of these non-IIT colleges have carved out a reputation for their curriculum, impressive placement records, and industry partnerships. Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a parent mapping out educational paths, or simply curious about the alternatives to the IITs, this article will give you a view beyond the IITs. These are the top five institutes and their EC programmes. The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at NIT Tiruchirappalli was established in 1964. It offers a BTech programme, two specialisations (Power Systems and Power Electronics), and research degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.). It was the first at NIT Trichy to receive QIP status for PhD programmes. On the recruitment front, the department boasts excellent placement records, with over 100 companies offering opportunities each year. More than 90 per cent of students secure placements within three months of the placement season. The highest package has reached Rs 52 LPA, with an average package of Rs 19 LPA. In addition, over 25 students have secured admissions in top QS-ranked universities abroad in the past two years. Some of the major recruiters include Google, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, ExxonMobil, NVIDIA, and EY. The School of Electronics Engineering (SENSE) at VIT offers diverse undergraduate programmes, including in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and VLSI Design and Technology. Postgraduate offerings span Automotive Electronics, Embedded Systems, IoT and Sensor Systems, and more. In the 2024–25 cycle, VIT Chennai recorded 3,160 total offers, with 2,192 unique offers. The dream offers stood at 763, and super-dream offers numbered 936. While the overall highest package across VIT campuses in 2025 reached Rs 1 Crore, placements specific to the Chennai campus peaked at Rs 59 LPA, offered by KRYPTO. According to NIRF 2025 data, the median salary for UG (4-year) graduates stood at approximately Rs 8.99 LPA The Department of Electrical Engineering at Jadavpur University, established in 1906, is one of the oldest departments. The department offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, supported by six specialised laboratories that serve as innovation hubs. In the 2021–22 recruitment season at Jadavpur University, the latest provided on the official website, the overall undergraduate (4-year) engineering placements recorded 899 students securing jobs and a median salary package of Rs 10 LPA. The Electrical Engineering department had 93 offers made to a batch of 109 students, reflecting a placement rate of about 85 per cent. Earlier affiliated with the University of Madras, SRM Institute of Science and Technology's EC department was established in 1992–1993. The department offers various programmes under it, like Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electric Vehicle Technology, Power Electronics and Drives, in Power Systems and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Allied Fields. In the academic year 2020-2024, the Institute saw a placement percentage of 70 per cent, with 35 per cent of dream and super dream offers. With recruiters like Cult Sport, ET Media Labs, IBM, IFB industries, Kalavium, KPMG, TCS, Torrent, among others. In the said period, 89 students enrolled for the course, with 63 unique offers, 75 placement offers and 71 placement percentage. Annamalai University's Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) department in the 2024 placement season saw over 1,100 undergraduate students and 865 postgraduate students placed across various sectors. Top recruiters include L&T, Tata Projects, and NCC Limited. The median salary ranged from Rs 1.62 LPA for UG students to Rs 13.72 LPA for PG students.
