What began as a small student-led initiative at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 2019 has grown into Drishti – The Helping Hand, a registered non-profit organisation working to make education accessible for visually impaired students. Founded by Saurabh Shandilya after witnessing his classmates struggle to access study materials, examination scribes and essential facilities, the organisation was formally registered in 2023 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
With support from more than 200 volunteers from institutions including BHU, Kashi Vidyapeeth and Harishchandra PG College, Drishti reports having supported over 1,000 visually impaired students through audiobooks, examination assistance, Braille-based learning materials and documentation support.
It has also reached more than 100 female students with disabilities through menstrual awareness programmes and hygiene kit distribution. The organisation now aims to support 4,000 visually impaired students over the next two years, subject to adequate funding.
Classroom Observation to a Initiative
The journey began in 2019, when Saurabh Shandilya was pursuing his first year of bachelor’s studies at BHU. During this time, he noticed that several visually impaired students faced difficulties accessing educational resources, finding examination scribes and navigating the university’s ageing infrastructure. Recognising that these challenges affected their academic opportunities, Shandilya joined hands with his friends to establish a helping club on the campus.
The group initially focused on arranging volunteer scribes for examinations, preparing semester-wise audiobooks and helping students with documentation and applications for scribe stipends. However, the team soon realised that understanding students’ actual requirements was equally important. They reached out to other students, collected feedback and conducted surveys to identify the challenges requiring immediate attention.
During its first year, the initiative expanded beyond academic assistance. It organised clothing donation drives, nutrition camps for persons with disabilities, computer training programmes and efforts to secure mess-fee concessions for students with disabilities. As the university administration gradually began addressing some of the identified concerns, the team decided to extend its support to visually impaired students across Varanasi.
Helping Club to a Organisation
As its activities expanded, Shandilya and his team began planning a formal organisation that could provide sustained educational and documentation support. In 2023, their initiative was registered as a non-profit organisation under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, marking the formal beginning of Drishti – The Helping Hand.
The organisation gradually built a volunteer network involving students from different institutions, including BHU, Kashi Vidyapeeth and Harishchandra PG College. These volunteers contribute by creating audiobooks, arranging scribes for university and government examinations, supporting Braille-based examinations and preparing Braille reading materials.
An important part of its approach is recognising the contribution of volunteers. According to the organisation, volunteers receive a small stipend of ₹100 to ₹200 for each examination in which they provide scribe assistance. This provides modest financial support while encouraging more students to participate in the initiative.
Drishti reports that it has engaged more than 200 volunteers and supported over 1,000 visually impaired students so far. Its activities have also extended to women’s health and hygiene. Through menstrual awareness programmes and hygiene kit distribution, the organisation has supported more than 100 female students with disabilities, including through initiatives organised around Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Aiming to Reach 4,000 Students in Two Years
Drishti’s larger vision is to ensure that no visually impaired student struggles to access education, examination scribes or appropriate study materials. Beyond its existing assistance programmes, the organisation wants to equip students with skills that can improve their educational and professional opportunities.
Over the next two years, it aims to reach more than 4,000 visually impaired students, provided it receives adequate funding. Its proposed expansion includes computer skills training and English communication programmes alongside volunteer support and accessible educational resources.
However, achieving this target will require financial assistance, trained volunteers and stronger partnerships with educational institutions. The organisation’s journey also highlights the importance of accessible infrastructure and institutional support in ensuring equal educational opportunities. No official government or university statement regarding its activities or expansion plans was provided for this story.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Education is a right, not a privilege, and no student should face barriers because of a disability. Saurabh Shandilya’s journey with Drishti reflects how empathy, determination and collective action can create meaningful change. By helping visually impaired students access study materials, examination scribes and essential resources, the initiative demonstrates the power of community-driven support.
However, ensuring inclusive education requires sustained efforts from universities, government institutions and society. Accessible infrastructure and equal opportunities must become priorities rather than exceptions.
How can we collectively build an education system where every student gets an equal opportunity to learn and succeed?
Also Read: How Hemant Sachdev Built a Lifesaving Mountain Rescue Network for Indian Soldiers
