Mangalore: Unique Treasure Hunt for the Blind Wows All

Mangalore: Unique Treasure Hunt for the Blind Wows All

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore Nov 14: The much awaited ‘Guiding Stars’ treasure hunt for the visually challenged got off to a flying start on Sunday, November 14 at Gandhi Park, Mannagudda, Mangalore. As many as 35 cars carrying nearly 150 people took part in this unique event which is the first of its kind to be held in Mangalore. Each car was provided with a blind person to act as navigator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deputy Commissioner of DK District, Subodh Yadav participated in the inauguration ceremony. Observing that the day marks Jawaharlal Nehru’s birthday as well as Children’s day too, he expressed his appreciation for the initiative of the organizers. “This has proved the organizers love and care towards the differently abled people, who are entitled to the realization of all human rights and fundamental freedom on equal terms with others in society, without discrimination of any kind,” he said. He announced that the Gandhi Park will soon be converted in to a specialized park for the disabled people.

G.G. Mohan Das Prabhu, President of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry flagged off the rally.

A sporting cum fund raising event, the treasure hunt involves a sighted driver and a blind navigator. The rally tests the driver’s skills as per Time, Speed and Distance Measurements. However the entire route is provided in Braille – the script used by blind people to read and write. This creates a situation where the sighted driver is totally dependent on the blind navigator who has to interpret the route to him using the directions provided in the Braille script.

The event was organized by Mangalore Coastal Round Table (MCRT) 190 and Mangalore Ladies Circle (LC) 82 in association with Seva Bharathi Roman and Catherine School for the Blind and Baikampady Vidyarthi Sangha.

The objective of the event was to promote awareness regarding Braille script and to also highlight the capabilities of the blind. Arjun Pinto, Chairman of MCRT, Preethi Pinto, Chairperson, Mangalore Ladies Circle and Yatish Bykampady of Baikampady Vidyarthi Sangha were the chief event co-ordinators.

The program began with a prayer song by Pooja Shree followed by briefing on Mangalore Coastal Round Table (MCRT) 190 and Ladies Circle (LC) 82 by Neil Rodrigues. Arjun Pinto, Chairperson of MCRT welcomed the gathering.  Naina compered the program, while Isaac Vas provided the briefing about the treasure hunt concept.

The treasure hunt culminated at Makkala Mela (Children’s Festival) which is a full day mela for kids being organized at Panambur Beach by Baikampady Vidyarthi Sangha, an active youth group. The participants got to take part in Painting Competition, Sand Sculpture Competition, Preparing of Kites, Beach Games, Group Singing Competition, Group Dance Competition and Food Festival which were conducted as part of Makkala Mela.

The following were declared as the winners of the Treasure Hunt:

First Place: Team Alan and Debbie Lobo

Runners Up (Equal Points): Team Alan Bangera, Team Jude Rego