In a world where everyone is just concerned about their own well-being, there is a man who is working tirelessly to be the vision of those who cannot see the beauty around us. This man is none other than Shyam Dhanak.
Shyam Dhanak has become a prominent name in the field of social welfare. He is a resident of Damuva Dhunga, who originally hails from Jainti Baarakot of Almora Uttarakhand. Just like us, he was leading a normal life. He was working in Dubai and was earning quite well. Nevertheless, Alas, luck had other plans for him.
His world was turned upside down. In 1993, his eldest son Ajay lost his vision at the tender age of 14. It was a very tough time for him as a parent to see his child struggle to do normal day-to-day tasks. They visited the best of best medical experts, but the answer was always the same. They could not bring his son’s vision back.
Nevertheless, instead of losing his hope, he encouraged his son to accept reality and move forward in life. His son started his life again from zero. Relearning all those things he knew as a child, but no with no sight. With his immense efforts and a will to not give up, Ajay completed his education and now is working as the HR head in a pharmaceutical firm in Vishakhapatnam.
Seeing his son’s story as an inspiration, he decided to do something for all those underprivileged children who have lost their sight. This led to the foundation of the National Association For the Blind (NAB) on 23 September 2003, at Gaula Paar. Starting with just 5 students, it has now expanded to 76 students.
With his constant efforts, these students are getting an education from the finest institutes, namely –
Naini Valley, Sacred Heart, and many other convents and government schools. Students learn to do their basic tasks such as washing clothes to cooking food all by themselves. It gives them a sense of independence and hopes to lead a normal life. They also learn vocational skills like playing musical instruments etc.
Through his compassion and efforts, Shyam Dhanak and NAB have been getting tremendous support from people all around the world. His work has made him a Messiah for these kids.