In a landmark initiative blending technology, compassion, and collaboration, Jadavpur University (JU), one of Eastern India’s premier educational institutions, on 2nd May opened the successful upgrade of its Accessible Library for visually impaired students.
With over 230 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels depending on the facility, the need for modernization was urgent. Previously, the library struggled with outdated resources—operating with just a single Braille printer that required 6–8 months to convert academic texts. Critical tools like DAISY book makers, digital magnifiers, and transliteration software were missing, limiting access, especially in STEM subjects.
Recognizing this gap, a powerful collaboration formed between Rotary Clubs from Kolkata and the USA, along with the Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation (GJUAF). Through a Rotary Global Grant of over ₹38 lakh, they successfully transformed the library into a state-of-the-art, inclusive learning space.
The project was led by the Rotary Club of Belur (RCB) in Kolkata and the Rotary Club of Danville San Ramon (RC DSR) in California, with strong support from other Rotary partners including Rotary Clubs of Calcutta South City Towers, Calcutta Chowrenghee, Calcutta North East, Calcutta Yuvis, Richmond (CA), and Chico (CA). The Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation (GJUAF) and JU Alumni Association, Georgia, USA also played pivotal roles.
Two JU alumni—Rtn Vishnu Dhandhania (RC Belur) and Rtn Dr. Ranjit Chakravorti (RC DSR)—were instrumental in envisioning and driving the project across continents.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. Krishnendu Gupta, District Governor, RI District 3291, and Prof. Bhaskar Gupta, Vice Chancellor, JIS University, who joined as the Guest of Honour.
The upgraded library now boasts a range of cutting-edge assistive technologies such as Braille E-Motion displays with speech output, Readit Zen Max scanners, Evo DAISY audiobook players, Dolphin Publisher software, Braille embosser machines, video magnifiers, and transliteration tools. Additionally, significant infrastructure enhancements were made, including a unisex accessible restroom, tactile-tile ramps with safety railings, soundproof audiobook recording rooms, a digital reading room for 20 students, and comprehensive Braille signage.
Hands-on training workshops were also conducted to empower staff and senior students to confidently use and maintain the new technologies, creating a sustainable ecosystem of knowledge sharing and peer support.
“It was our dream to ensure that every visually impaired student at JU could access knowledge with dignity and ease,” said Rtn Vishnu Dhandhania, Project Chair, Rotary Club of Belur. “This project demonstrates the power of global collaboration and a shared vision for inclusive education.”
Rtn Dr. Ranjit Chakravorti, Project Visionary and a member of Rotary Club of Danville San Ramon, added, “We believe this upgraded library will not only transform the academic journey of hundreds of students but also set a benchmark for other institutions across India. True education must be accessible to all, and this is a significant step in that direction.”
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Amitava Datta, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University, said, “At Jadavpur University, we have always believed in equal opportunities for all our students. This modernized Accessible Library reaffirms our commitment to inclusion and innovation. We are deeply grateful to our alumni and Rotary partners for making this vision a reality.”
The project’s impact will be far-reaching—accelerating access to educational resources, boosting inclusion in STEM fields, improving academic and career outcomes, and fostering a truly inclusive campus culture at Jadavpur University.
This initiative has illuminated a path that other universities can follow, proving that technology, partnerships, and empathy can together create educational spaces that leave no one behind.