Sufia Kamal National Public Library and Sporsho Foundation inaugurate Braille Corner

To inspire and aid visually impaired readers, Sufia Kamal National Public Library, in association with Sporsho Foundation, inaugurated their Braille Corner yesterday. State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid, MP, Md Abubakar Siddique, Director-General of the Department of Public Library and Nazia Jabeen, President of Sporsho Foundation, along with other officials were present at the event. The corner also honours the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation and National Children's Day. It consists of 90 books, including biographies, children's stories, poems, and many more in its collection. Many of the books focus on the history of Bangladesh's Liberation War.

Nazia Jabeen has been working tirelessly since 2008, and she came up with the first braille publication in 2009. Eventually, with aid from friends and well-wishers, Sporsho Publication began its journey. They have been consistent in the Ekushey Boi Mela since 2011 with the aim of reaching people and raising awareness about visually impaired individuals' immense interest in reading.  "It is a milestone to have a braille corner at the Sufia Kamal National Public Library. Luckily, it is right beside the Bangabandhu Corner. This truly is encouraging," Nazia said.

During her speech at the inauguration, she also pointed at inclusion of the digital mediums for visually and hearing impaired individuals. "They are no different than us. The more we can offer to them, the more they will be able to give back to the society," she added.

Many of the students affiliated with Sporsho Foundation not only enjoy reading, but are also writers. Among them is SSC candidate Tariqul Islam Nazim. He is interested in history, and writes poems. "I am thankful to Sporsho for giving us an opportunity to interact with writers at the Boi Mela. Reading is indispensable for me in order to develop my skills, and create a strong writing base," said Nazim. "Ami Birangona Bolchi" by Nilima Ibrahim and the Bangla translation of Jules Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days" are two books he likes. He wishes to learn more about the history of East Bengal from 1720 to 1756.

Retired professor and member of Naripakkha Rashida Hossain is a well-wisher of the initiative. Naripakkha offers support on offering books about women, and adolescent health. "Through books and leaflets, we try to offer information to raise awareness among individuals," said Rashida.

Nazia also expressed gratitude to the DG of Sufia Kamal National Public Library for his continuous support towards the initiative. "A library is not only a space for showcasing books; it must be a space that supports the needs of people from all walks of life. Knowledge must be disseminated among everyone," she concluded.