Mitra Jyothi, founded in 1990 by Dr. Madhu Singhal, is a Bangalore-based NGO dedicated to empowering visually impaired individuals through education, training, and support services. Over the past 35 years, the organisation has transformed thousands of lives by providing accessible learning resources, vocational programs, assistive devices, and advocacy for disability rights.
Dr. Singhal, who is visually impaired herself, has earned numerous accolades for her contributions to inclusivity and accessibility. Mitra Jyothi’s key initiatives include digital literacy training, higher education support for girls, Braille transcription services, and life skills development. The organisation continues to make a profound impact on building an inclusive society.
The Founder: Dr. Madhu Singhal
Dr. Madhu Singhal’s life is a testament to resilience and determination. Born with visual impairment, she faced numerous challenges growing up but refused to let them define her future. Her personal experiences inspired her to establish Mitra Jyothi in Jeevan Bhima Nagar, Bangalore, with the heartfelt mission of empowering individuals with vision impairment.
“I am a visually impaired person since birth and when in 1990 I met… a lot of persons with disabilities… I found after 40 years of independence, still people were not very much acquiring the rights and other things.”
Milestones & Impact
Through Mitra Jyothi’s initiatives over its 35-year journey:
- Thousands of visually impaired individuals have benefited from its programs.
- Over 10,000 audiobooks have been distributed nationwide.
- Hundreds of assistive devices have been provided to enhance mobility and communication.
Dr. Singhal reflects on the joy of watching these transformations:
“Sometimes a small thing will make you very happy.”
She shared a powerful story:
“One student, she came for the computer training in 2016 and now she has completed UPSC exam… working as an assistant director of Chandana TV… she has come as a chief guest for our 35th anniversary.”
Another moment that stayed with her involved a young boy passionate about music:
“One boy came and told me that he needs a mouth organ and he was very good in mouth organ… the shopkeeper said, ‘you take this mouth organ. I don’t want to charge from you.’ I felt very happy.”
“People want to contribute in a small, small way to make somebody happy.”
These stories serve as powerful reminders that empowerment can change lives.
Founding Mitra Jyothi
In 1990, Dr. Singhal founded Mitra Jyothi with a vision to extend a helping hand to those with visual impairments. Drawing from her own life experiences, she aimed to create an organisation that would provide essential resources and support to those in need.
“That time I thought to start an organization and mainly work for their independence, maybe their education, employment opportunities, training and so on and so forth.”
She identified a major gap in accessible content for visually impaired individuals in Karnataka:
“In Karnataka in their local language there were no literature available neither in braille nor in audio format… so that made me to think to start a talking book library… and provide them for their to complete their education.”
What began as a small initiative has grown into a formidable force that has transformed the lives of thousands of people with disabilities across India.
Building an Inclusive Society
Mitra Jyothi envisions a world where disability is not a barrier to education or independence. Every initiative undertaken is designed to foster self-confidence and equal opportunities for visually impaired individuals.
“My long-term vision is this world should become accessible and everybody will feel inclusive in the society.”
“All the organization, people with disability and each and everybody should collaborate with us. Then nothing is impossible.”
Through its holistic approach to learning and empowerment, Mitra Jyothi continues making meaningful impacts in countless lives.
International Representation
Dr. Singhal has represented India’s visually impaired community at various global forums:
- Fifth General Assembly under the World Blind Union (Melbourne, Australia, 2000)
- Employment Seminar for The Blind (Brunei Darussalam, 2000)
- General Assembly of the Asian Blind Union (Bangkok, Thailand, 1998)
Her advocacy transcends borders and has made a significant impact on a global scale.
Literary Contributions
Dr. Singhal is not only a leader but also an author and researcher:
- She has compiled short stories and articles in Badlav, inspiring positive change among people with disabilities.
- In 1991, she published the First Visually Impaired Persons Directory, aimed at uniting visually impaired individuals into a cohesive community.
- In 2010, she conducted a research study on domestic violence and emotional abuse faced by blind women across five countries through the Asian Blind Union.
These contributions highlight her dedication to raising awareness about disability issues.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Singhal’s outstanding contributions have garnered recognition from various quarters:
- Rustom Merwanji Alpaiwalla Memorial Award (2024) for outstanding work in blind welfare
- Shankara Foundation Pride of India Award (2023)
- IBN7 Bajaj Allianz Super Idols Award (2010)
- National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (2008)
- Shell Helen Keller Award (2001), among others
In recognition of her significant contributions to disability welfare, she was conferred an honorary Doctorate in Literature by Karnataka State Women’s University in 2015.
Leadership Roles
Dr. Singhal holds several prominent positions in organisations advocating for disability rights:
- Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind
- Chairperson of the Women’s Committee of the Asian Blind Union
- Joint Secretary of the Daisy Forum of India
- General Secretary for the National Federation of the Blind (Karnataka Branch)
- Member of the World Blind Union
Her leadership roles reflect her unwavering commitment to advocating for disability rights and inclusion.
Outdoor Training
Dr. Singhal’s determination extends beyond advocacy; she also completed trekking training for visually impaired individuals at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling. This showcases her resilience and adventurous spirit.
Key Programs & Initiatives
Mitra Jyothi offers holistic programs designed to empower visually impaired individuals:
1. Digital Literacy Training
In today’s digital world, technology is a powerful enabler. The Residential Digital Literacy Training Program equips visually impaired individuals with essential computer and smartphone skills. This training enables them to access information, pursue education, and enhance career opportunities in an increasingly digital landscape.
2. Higher Education Support for Girls
Education is foundational for empowerment. Mitra Jyothi provides safe boarding facilities along with mentorship and academic resources specifically for visually impaired girls. This initiative ensures they receive quality education and equal opportunities to build promising futures.
3. Education Resource Centre
The Education Resource Centre serves as a hub for accessible learning materials through three key verticals:
- Braille Transcription Centre: Converts academic textbooks and other reading materials into Braille format
- Talking Book Library: A vast repository of audiobooks produced in various formats (Epub, e-text, BRF) by volunteers
- Assistive Device Distribution: Provides essential devices such as smartphones, DAISY players, smart canes/glasses/wallets that enhance mobility and communication.
4. Life Skills Development
True empowerment comes from confidence and independence. Mitra Jyothi’s Life Skills Programs focus on:
- Mobility & Orientation Training: Techniques for safely navigating indoor and outdoor environments.
- Spoken English & Personality Development: Enhancing communication skills to improve self-expression and career readiness.
- Career Counselling & Employment Support: Workshops on resume building and job readiness help visually impaired individuals secure meaningful employment.
- Awareness on Rights & Advocacy: Educating individuals about their legal rights under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPD Act) 2016 empowers them to advocate for inclusion and accessibility.
Milestones & Impact
Over the years, Mitra Jyothi has left a powerful legacy. Personal testimonials from beneficiaries highlight the transformative impact of its initiatives:
“Sometimes a small thing will make you very happy.”
Dr. Singhal proudly recalls a standout success story:
“One student, she came for the computer training in 2016 and now she has completed UPSC exam… working as an assistant director of Chandana TV… she has come as a chief guest for our 35th anniversary.”
Another heartwarming memory comes from Mitra Jyothi’s early days:
“One boy came and told me that he needs a mouth organ and he was very good in mouth organ… the shopkeeper said, ‘you take this mouth organ. I don’t want to charge from you.’ I felt very happy.”
“People want to contribute in a small, small way to make somebody happy.”
These stories reflect the joy, dignity, and hope Mitra Jyothi has brought to countless lives.
Recent Developments
Mitra Jyothi continues to innovate:
- Expanded digital access via online platforms for audiobooks ensures wider reach
- Collaborated with corporates like IBM to integrate advanced assistive technologies into their training programs
- Launched community awareness campaigns aimed at reducing stigma around visual impairment while promoting inclusivity within society
- Plans are underway to increase its beneficiary base through satellite centres across Karnataka
“There are so many challenges to make the organization establish and get a proper recognition.”
“From the very first day, we were working with the volunteers. And I can say that they are the pillar of this organization.”
“Sometimes someone must have done some voluntary work 10 or 15 years back… and when they call and want to help… it made my organization recognized nationally and internationally.”
Building an Inclusive Society
Mitra Jyothi envisions a world where disability is not a barrier to education or independence. Every initiative undertaken is designed to foster self-confidence and equal opportunities for visually impaired individuals.
“My long-term vision is this world should become accessible and everybody will feel inclusive in the society.”
“All the organization, people with disability and each and everybody should collaborate with us. Then nothing is impossible.”
Through its holistic approach to learning and empowerment, Mitra Jyothi continues making meaningful impacts in countless lives.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we deeply admire organisations like Mitra Jyothi that champion inclusion and empowerment for marginalised communities. Dr. Madhu Singhal’s journey is a shining example of how determination can overcome barriers and transform lives. Her work inspires us all to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in our society.
What steps can we take collectively toward building a more inclusive world? Share your thoughts below!
Contact Information
For more information about Mitra Jyothi or how you can support their initiatives:
Website: www.mitrajyothi.org
Email: admin.office@mitrajyothi.org
Phone: 080-22587623 /25
