Minna Zutshi Tribune News Service Ludhiana, June 27 Helen Keller, whose birth anniversary falls on June 27, is this educationist’s inspiration. Paramjit Kaur, Principal, Braille Bhawan Government Institute for Blind, believes that visual impairment is nothing more than a form of ‘limitation’. “Being visually challenged is a limitation – nothing more. Anyone can have a limitation. There’s no need to be ashamed of any limitation for which you are not responsible. I am not responsible for my visual impairment. Why should I be ashamed of it?” The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart. Paramjit cites Keller’s most famous quote. Keller could neither see nor hear, yet she wrote beautifully inspiring books. Drawing inspiration from Keller’s life of extraordinary grit, Paramjit has not let her visual impairment dim her enthusiasm for life. “Life teaches us a lot. If you are ‘present’ in life, you can have rich and varied experiences. It is empowering.”
Acceptance is the key, she says. Acceptance opens you to new experiences. “I often tell the children at the bhawan that they are specially-created individuals. They should stop thinking of themselves as ‘weak’ or ‘less accomplished’. Internal conversations can be empowering. And disempowering as well. You have a choice to make the conversations empowering or let them bog you down. No one except your own self can stop you from accomplishing your most cherished desires. You have the power to pave a way for your success and happiness. If I am happy, it is because of me. If I am unhappy, it is again because of me.” Paramjit has a degree in political science and sociology. She has a keen interest in understanding the dynamics of psychology and applying them to the field of education. Her students will vouch for it!
Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/visual-impairment-no-hindrance-for-this-educationist/428573.html