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Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- Indian Express
Indian Railways done well to incorporate Braille signage in coaches. But a lot more needs doing
Written by Praveen Kumar G During a recent journey in an A1 coach on the Karnataka Express train, I encountered a telling example of how accessibility for blind passengers is often treated as an afterthought. While there was some information provided in Braille — such as berth numbers and alarm details — the implementation was far from user-friendly. The Braille plates were positioned in such a way that they were partially obscured by fixed luggage racks, making them difficult to locate and read. This is not merely a matter of inconvenience; for many travellers with visual disabilities, it is the difference between being able to navigate independently and having to rely on others. What was even more concerning was the absence of vital information in Braille. Critical details such as emergency safety instructions, contact numbers of train attendants, cleaning service information, and procedures for seeking assistance were nowhere to be found in accessible formats. This approach — providing only partial and poorly positioned information — undermines the very purpose of accessibility. It is a piecemeal effort that signals compliance in appearance, but not in substance. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) is explicit: Persons with disabilities are entitled to equal access to information, facilities, and services without discrimination. Section 42 of the Act mandates that all service providers take steps to ensure that information is available in accessible formats, including Braille, audio, and electronic text. Indian Railways, as a public service provider, is legally and morally bound to implement these provisions fully. Partial compliance — such as offering only berth numbers in Braille — falls short of the law's intent. Inaccessible safety information can put blind passengers at direct risk during emergencies. Lack of contact details for attendants can leave passengers stranded without timely assistance. Accessibility is not a courtesy; it is a right that ensures dignity, independence, and safety. It is commendable that Indian Railways has begun incorporating Braille signage in coaches, but the execution must improve dramatically. Authorities should provide complete travel-related information in Braille — safety instructions, contact numbers, complaint procedures, and service information. They must ensure logical and accessible placement of Braille signage — away from obstructions like luggage racks. Use multiple accessible formats — including audio announcements and QR codes linked to screen-reader-friendly information. Accessibility should not be a box-ticking exercise. The RPwD Act provides a strong legal mandate — what is needed now is serious implementation with empathy, consultation with passengers with disabilities, and regular audits for compliance. For India's transport systems to truly serve all citizens, accessibility must move from being symbolic to being substantive, comprehensive, and rights-based. The writer is VSO international social accessibility advisor
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Amara Premi Arun Movie: Showtimes, Review, Songs, Trailer, Posters, News & Videos
× Would you like to review this movie? 3000 characters left Synopsis Amara Premi Arun is an upcoming Kannada movie scheduled to be released on 25 Apr, 2025. The movie is directed by Praveen Kumar G and will feature Deepika Aradhya, Harisharvaa, Dharmanna Kadur and Krithi Bhat as lead characters. Cast & Crew
New Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Praveen Kumar Interview: Cinema is where all art forms meet
Not all engineers stick to the script. Some, like Praveen Kumar G, choose to write a new one—one that belongs on the big screen. With a degree in engineering but a heart firmly rooted in cinema, Praveen is now ready to make his directorial debut with , a romantic comedy set to release on April 25. 'I always had clarity that engineering wasn't my final destination. Cinema is my real passion—my ikigai ,' he says. His love for performing began in college, where he was part of a Mad Ads team called Nothing But Trouble. 'We did over 70 shows. I was the narrator of our team. That's where I found my voice.' The debutant director, born and raised in Ballari, has spent years behind the scenes learning the art of storytelling. 'It took years of working on different aspects of filmmaking. Amara Premi Arun feels like a natural extension of everything I've done so far,' says Praveen, who has worked as an associate and assistant director on Koormavatara , Sakkare , Endendu Ninagagi , Kahi , Dana Kayonu , and Mugulu Nage and written dialogues for Alidu Ulidavaru and Ninna Sanihake , among other projects. The film tells the story of Arun, a small-town medical representative who still lives in the memory of his childhood love. 'I chose Ballari as the backdrop because I wanted to capture the spirit of a town I know inside out. The Ballari accent adds a flavour of authenticity, and I've kept the dialogues simple—with a blend of Kannada and English—so that audiences everywhere can relate," he says. Starring Harisharva, Deepika Aradhya, Dharmanna Kadur, and Krithi Bhat, the film will be a clean romantic comedy filled with charm, humour, and nostalgia. With music by Kiran Ravindranath, cinematography by Praveen S, and editing by Manu Shedgar, the film may be made on a tight budget but is packed with emotional honesty," he says. The film is crowd-funded and backed by Olavu Cinema. 'Cinema is where all art forms meet. You can express every shade of life through it,' says Praveen, who has also published a short story collection titled Ede . "With Amara Premi Arun , I step into being a rooted and reflective storyteller," he concludes.
Zawya
09-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Delegates at SWAAC ELSO Conference commend the unwavering endeavours of Abu Dhabi's health authorities
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The 2025 SWAAC ELSO ECMO Conference, the 11th annual conference of South West Africa Asia Chapter of ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organization) has concluded with tremendous success, bringing together more than 70 esteemed speakers, over 1,100 delegates, and participants from across the globe to explore the latest advancements in ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) therapy. This year's conference, which took place over several days, was celebrated for its in-depth discussions, cutting-edge presentations, and exceptional networking opportunities. Held in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and support from Department of Health, the event highlighted the complexities of ECMO therapy, covering its application in critical care settings, novel approaches, emerging technologies, and the integration of ECMO care into multi-disciplinary healthcare teams. Delegates had access to a wealth of knowledge from top experts, with specialized sessions designed to cater to both novice and seasoned professionals in the field. Dignitaries from Department of Health, Abu Dhabi inaugurated the event and also providing unwavering support for the expansion of ECMO services in Abu Dhabi. Their commitment to advancing ECMO education and patient care was reflected in the high-level engagement throughout the event. Feedback from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the quality and diversity of the content delivered. Sessions were praised for their practical insights, collaborative approach, and the opportunity to engage directly with experts and peers. The event also facilitated numerous opportunities for professional growth, with participants gaining valuable knowledge that they can use to help their patients. The participation and support from industry partners were instrumental in making this conference a resounding success. Industry leaders showcased the latest in ECMO-related technologies, while contributing to insightful dialogues on the future of the field. Their collaboration provided significant value for attendees and underscored the role of innovation in transforming patient care. "We are incredibly pleased with the success of this year's SWAAC ELSO ECMO Conference," said Dr. Praveen Kumar G, Chair of the Scientific Committee. "The knowledge shared and the connections made are a testament to the growing importance of ECMO in critical care. We are grateful for the participation of our speakers, delegates, industry partners, stakeholders from the leading regional hospitals, and the Department of Health, whose collaboration ensured the event's success."
