The Blind Welfare Society (BWS), a Delhi-based nonprofit, has been quietly transforming lives by empowering visually impaired girls. Through free accommodation, education, skill development, employment assistance, and rehabilitation, BWS ensures that girls with sight loss are not left behind, but instead, step forward with dignity, confidence, and purpose.
Ritu is among the many visually impaired young women who have carved a dignified path for themselves with the support of the Blind Welfare Society. She is an employee at Punjab National Bank and manages peak-hour customer service with exceptional efficiency and grace. She handles documentation, responds to customer queries with patience, and brings a calm presence to a typically hectic environment.
Thanks to the support and training she received from BWS, Ritu built the skills and confidence to secure meaningful employment and navigate a world not always designed for her. Her story is one of many that highlight the powerful difference BWS is making, turning barriers into bridges for countless visually impaired girls across India.
India is home to over 79 million people living with blindness, of which nearly 90% of cases are preventable. Yet, poverty and lack of access to healthcare continue to keep millions in the dark. For girls, these barriers are even greater.
Visually impaired girls often carry a double burden as the challenges of disability are compounded by gender discrimination. In countless families, they are seen as a curse or a burden, their aspirations dismissed, and their voices silenced. Education remains elusive, particularly in rural India, where blind schools are few and often located far away.
Kajal’s story reflects this reality. She lost her vision at nine, and some relatives believed she brought bad luck. When she expressed her wish to study further, she was met with scorn and discouragement. But Kajal’s parents stood by her. At a critical turning point, BWS stepped in, empowering her to continue her education and show that blindness is no obstacle to ambition.
At the heart of this mission is Shri Dheeraj Bhola, who himself is visually impaired. As General Secretory of BWS, he envisions a society where inclusion is not an exception, but the standard.
The roots of BWS trace back to its founder, the late Shri Ram Prakash Bhola. Himself visually impaired and a teacher by profession, he was a passionate advocate for equal opportunities for the disabled. His vision was not just to speak about inclusion but to create it in action. By establishing a free residential home for blind girls, he lit a path that continues to guide generations.
Today, under the stewardship of his son, Dheeraj Bhola, the Blind Welfare Society carries forward this legacy proving that when given support, visually impaired girls are not just survivors, but achievers who can inspire an entire nation.
Through advocacy, awareness and action-oriented programmes, Dheeraj Bhola has ensured that girls with blindness are equipped with the tools, skills and confidence to live fulfilling lives. Alongside his leadership of BWS, he also serves as a Lecturer with the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi.
What began with just two girls has today grown into a safe residential facility for 40 girls with blindness. Most of the residents have escaped unsupportive or abusive environments and found in BWS a nurturing home where they can learn, dream and flourish.
“When I came here, I felt I had finally found a safe home. For the first time, I had friends, mentors, three meals a day and above all, hope. I began to believe that even a blind girl like me can dream and achieve.” — Komal, Resident of BWS
Life at BWS is designed to support the girls in every way. From nutritious meals and healthcare to financial assistance and mentorship, the Society ensures that no need goes unmet. “Technology serves as a vital foundation for education. resources such as laptops, Daisy Players and Orbit Readers enhance learning and provide access to competitive examinations. These advancements subsequently create pathways to employment, fostering financial independence and upholding the dignity of the girls.” – Dheeraj Bhola, General Secretory, BWS.
Thanks to this comprehensive support system, visually impaired girls at BWS are empowered not only to overcome barriers but to thrive, build fulfilling careers, and become confident role models for future generations. Their success is a testament to what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.