This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
December 3, 2019, marks a significant day for people with disabilities worldwide, including India, where an estimated 63 million people are visually impaired, according to the World Health Organization.
Among them is 44-year-old Sharma, a father of three from Bihar, one of India's poorest states. He lost his sight as a teenager while working in the fields of his village.
Sharma's daily commute in Delhi is a daunting task. Many roads lack pavements, forcing him to walk on the roadside, probing his white cane in front as cars and trucks tear past just centimeters away.
On trains, where passengers are packed like sardines, he relies on fellow commuters to help him navigate platforms and squeeze in and out of carriages.
Despite the challenges, Sharma remains optimistic. "The people are good. But there are broken roads and open sewage holes which are always a risk," he said.
Sharma's story is not unique. Many blind Indians face dire lack of opportunities in education and employment, leading to poverty and reliance on charity.
However, Sharma's determination to learn new skills has inspired him to retrain as a massage therapist. He attends classes at the Blind Relief Association in Delhi, commuting long distances to pursue his dream.
"I have picked up massage as I have become older and there aren't many other avenues for me," he said.
Swapna Merlin from the Blind Relief Association emphasizes the importance of exposure and empowerment for people with disabilities. "Once they come out and know they can do different things, that itself is a big exposure to them... Every story of success is an inspiration for many others," she said.
