HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Feb 15: An innovative smart cane and a talking tactile map board of India, developed by Dr. Manabendra Bhuyan, rector of Tezpur Science Academy and retired professor of Tezpur University, were formally handed over to the Assam Blind School, Bihpuria. The ceremony was held on the school premises in a special programme jointly organised by the Sonitpur district unit of Karunadhara and the Tezpur Science Academy in the presence of students, teachers and guardians on Saturday.
Explaining the assisted devices, Dr Bhuyan said the talking tactile map of India enables visually impaired students to understand the country’s geographical boundaries and locations by touch, while receiving detailed audio information about different regions. The sensitive smart cane emits sound alerts to warn users of obstacles ahead, enhancing mobility and safety.
Related Posts:
Dr Bhuyan also shared his future plans to develop talking tactile models of scientific equipment, allowing visually impaired students to access complete information about learning tools through touch.
The meeting was presided over by Dr Bhubaneswar Saharia, Executive president of Karunadhara’s Sonitpur district unit. Dr Bhuyan acknowledged Dr Saharia for bearing the cost of manufacturing ten smart canes. Among those present were Karunadhara Tezpur unit member Lipika Saharia, Dr Bhuyan’s wife Arihana Bhuyan, retired Darrang College professor Manoranjan Sarma and Anu Devi.
The school’s Primary Section Head Teacher Priti Goswami highlighted the shortage of teaching and learning resources for visually impaired students, while Principal Diganta Hazarika described the invention as “a new ray of hope” for the visually impaired community and expressed gratitude for the initiative. The event concluded on a cultural note with melodious songs presented by the students, enlivening the gathering.
