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Monday 28 November 2011

Interview: Celebrating diversity. Dawn News

(I personally APOLOGIES to Visually Impaired Persons for miscommunication of word "Introduced Web Radio in Pakistan".. I personally say we just initiated Radio Vision Pakistan, in Support of Visually Impaired Persons. (Rashid Mehmood Khan)).

Mr.Rashid Mehmood Khan, The C.E.O of  the ‘Visionary Foundation Pakistan (VF.PAK)’, is a young social worker and entrepreneur. He is working for people with disabilities and has initiated the ‘Braille books project’ for visually impaired students.

Following are the excerpts from the interview:

1:You started social endeavours at a very young age. What attracted you to this field?

I was part of the oblivious youth until two years back, when I realised that our destiny lies in the hands of young people and decided to be the initiator of a positive change in the community. I always knew that small gestures bring immense changes; therefore I wanted to make a small effort that will bring an enormous change in my country.

2:How was Visionary Foundation Pakistan (VF) formed? What are its activities?

I didn’t plan to form the organisation, it just happened. We used to visit the government hospitals, orphanages and Edhi Centres. Once we visited the head office of the Pakistan Association of Blind House (PAB) in Karachi and met with some very energetic and self-motivated visually challenged  people. They didn’t have any Brailled books to read from and they had to engage a paid writer to help them take examinations. We decided to help them and requested the PAB House to help us learn Braille. We’ve transcribed three course books into Braille and the fourth one is in the pipeline.

We’ve also formed a ‘Writers bank’ where our volunteers help the blind write their exam. So far, we’ve provided six writers to them. I wanted to help the disabled people and formed an organisation which works for their empowerment and looks into their problems, education, health, capacity building, rights and employment opportunities.

Our organisation has commenced various projects. Some of them are: Braille syllabus books, working on the fourth Braille Book, audio Cd's, Radio Vision Pakistan (Online Radio Project) and Vision Mother & child Welfare Health Care Center  

3:What does the success of VF Pakistan mean to you?

It means I’ve made a successful attempt to bring a positive change in my society. I’ve put all my efforts in this organisation and have thought of every possible way I could help the blind. My organisation may not be very established like any of the Edhi Centres, or popular like Shaukat Khanam Hospital, but at least I’ve made a humble attempt to help mankind and I’m pleased with it.

 4:How empowered are the disabled people in the country?

I’m afraid, not much! They are neglected in every field. The government has reserved two per cent quota for them but it isn’t implemented. Besides, jobs opportunities are very limited for them.

To encounter this challenge, we’re raising awareness that all buildings, shopping malls, universities, schools, parks, railway stations, hospitals and even homes should be disabled friendly. We shouldn’t segregate and make fun of those who are deprived, rather we must accept them—after all this is called ‘celebrating diversity’.

5:What should be our youth’s contribution in the community’s development?

Only the youth can save the state. It’s high time that young people wake from their deep slumber and smell the coffee. They should realise the power of community work and start participating in social projects as much as they can.

6:What are your future plans?
I am planning to open a Vision Academy at suberb area of  Surjani Town, Karachi. & Conduct a 1st Pakistan Blind Youth Conference as well.