Bhubaneswar, Feb 9: A two‑day training programme on “Capacity Building & Leadership for Persons with Blindness and Low Vision” was organised at Ramadevi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, aiming to empower individuals with visual impairment through knowledge, skills, and leadership development, officials said on Monday.

The programme was conducted by Blind People’s Association (BPA) in collaboration with Ravenshaw Bhinna Khyma Student Union and Ramadevi Women’s University, with support from the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Odisha.

Expert sessions were delivered by resource persons from BPA. Dr. Bhushan Punani spoke on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, highlighting legal rights and entitlements. Dr. Bharatkumar Joshi addressed time management and essential skills for transitioning from campus to corporate life, while Dr. Dharmendra Jena conducted an interactive session on effective communication skills.

A first aid training session was also held by Dr. Bikash Prasad, Master Trainer from the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha, coordinated by the Child & Women Development Society (CWDS).

Special thanks were extended to Chandi Charan Rath, Vice‑Chancellor of Ramadevi Women’s University, for providing the venue. The programme was coordinated by Sanyasai Behera, Deputy Secretary, SSEPD Department, and Major Kalpana Das, Chairman of CWDS.

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The initiative reached students, frontline workers, and community members, marking a significant step toward enhancing leadership, self‑confidence, and employability skills among persons with blindness and low vision. Organisers emphasised that such programmes help break social stigma, inspire youth to act as health and social ambassadors, and strengthen inclusion in education and employment.