Hoteliers from Kochi, SRVC and Chavara Cultural Media asserted about the challenges faced by visually challenged
World White Cane Day was observed at Kochi under the auspices of Society for Rehabilitation of the Visually Challenged, Chavara Cultural Centre, Crowne Plaza Kochi and Le Meridien Kochi. The gathering comprising of hoteliers from all over Kochi, SRVC and Chavara Cultural Media, asserted the challenges faced by visually challenged while commuting. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Sunil Mathew, Secretary of SRVC. Mr. Tejus Jose, General Manager, Le Meridien and Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Kochi dictated oaths to extend support and aid to white cane bearers and spread awareness of their needs in the society.
Blindfold Walk was conducted from Le Meridien to Crowne Plaza, the 80 mts walk was an eye opener to the needs and challenges faced by the visually challenged regarding mobility in particular in their day to day lives and aimed to sensitize the public and commuters on the need to give preference of way to Visually Challenged people bearing a white cane on the road.. Participants had refreshment at Le Meridien before flagging off and they enjoyed refreshments at the Crowne Plaza Lawns without taking off their blindfolds to express solidarity to the visually challenged. They also shared their experience and the presence of Gabriel, member of our National Blind Football team and few other White Cane bearers made the evening very meaningful to everyone present. The event witnessed wholehearted participation from most of the city hotels like Kochi Marriott Hotel, Holiday Inn, Radisson Blu, CGH Earth Group, Vivanta by Taj, Le Meridien Kochi and Crowne Plaza