Having been in India since June 2009-mostly in Bangalore- I have visited Mathru Blind School on numerous occasions. A number of these were impromptu visits. I have also visited the rented premises where Mathru is maintaining a hostel for college level blind students from outside Bangalore and interacted with the students.
I have seen the site of the future building that Mathru will be constructing for a vocational training center, hostel for blind college students and later, a home for destitute blind women. I have been shown the Architects plan for the building.The ground- breaking (Bhoomi Pooja) ceremony is scheduled for January 28, 2010. Attached is the brochure developed in Nov 2009 giving all details of the new project. Mathru’s own 2009 half yearly report is also attached.
I have reviewed their 2009 report and can vouch for its contents. Since their report has given all the verified facts and numbers, the rest of my report will be more on impressions and hopes. A list of recent significant achievements is attached.Mathru School is located in Newtown, Yelahanka – an area of Bangalore, near the new International Airport.
The school is on land given to Mathru at a subsidized rate by the city, and surrounded by high-rise apartment buildings. These buildings are of conventional design and wear a weathered look.Mathru School’s architecture and appearance is a refreshing contrast. Small, well maintained gardens are outside the school.
When you walk into the school, a chalkboard lists the special events for the day. On the right is a small office for the newly hired Administrator, Hemalatha. A full time Administrator is a necessity since the activities of Mathru have increased substantially, and the founder Ms. Muktha spends a significant amount of her time in Public Relations, networking 1 and soliciting for funds. A visually impaired blind receptionist is at the desk.She invariably recognizes me from the sound of my footsteps! On the right is a big conference hall where vocational training classes were held last year.
As you turn left, on the entrance wall is Mathru’s heartfelt acknowledgement of Asha for Educations’ continuing help over the years: the school is named the Asha School. To the left again is the large dining room and spotless kitchen with polished stainless steel equipment. The children, teachers, and staff share meals in this hall. Outside the dining room,
