A Vision Beyond Sights: Kirttan Behera’s Mission to Empower Visually Challenged Students
Born into humble backgrounds in Kendujhar, Odisha, Mr. Kirttan Behera’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a small town in India to building a thriving career in the United States is a journey of determination and success. Having migrated to the U.S. in 1965 for higher studies, he worked relentlessly to establish a software and manufacturing company. Despite his professional achievements, his heart remained deeply connected to his homeland, and he consistently sought ways to give back to society.
Mr. Behera traveled frequently to India, not only to care for his aging parents but also to support underprivileged communities by providing access to drinking water in remote villages. His philanthropic journey took a transformative turn when he encountered Promise a Future, a California-based nonprofit that works to uplift the visually impaired. The plight of thousands of blind children, who struggle due to a lack of supportive guidance and financial constraints, moved him to action. He envisioned a future where these children could access quality education and build independent careers.
Transforming Education for Visually Impaired Students
In September 2024, Mr. Behera, in collaboration with Promise a Future and Aveti Learning, launched a groundbreaking initiative at the Louis Braille School for the Blind in Bhubaneswar. With the generous support of the Behera Family Charity, ten tablets were provided to visually impaired students at the school. These tablets were equipped with specialized digital content and accessibility features, including the talk-back function. This initiative aims to foster an inclusive learning environment, empowering students to pursue their dreams regardless of financial background or disability.
The impact was immediate and profound.
Pranati Pradhan, a ninth-standard student, expressed her gratitude: “In this short span of time, I have learned how to use the tablet and understand lessons better. The audio explanations help me grasp concepts, and I feel more confident about my studies.”
Ashok, a tenth-standard student, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Earlier, I had heard about tablets but never used one. Now, with these audio lessons, I can understand and retain information much better.”
Dedicated Mentoring by Aveti Team
Central to the success of this initiative is the team from Aveti Learning, who provide the necessary ground support and timely engagement with the students.
The Aveti technical team meticulously configures each tablet with essential digital content, including lessons, practice exercises, and real-time progress tracking. The talk-back feature enables visually impaired students to navigate the material effortlessly, granting them access to a vast world of knowledge and opportunity. Aveti facilitators have been dedicatedly training and mentoring the children, investing three to four hours each week to ensure they develop proficiency in using the tablets. The team’s unwavering commitment is evident in the students’ improvement in test scores, growing confidence, and enhanced ability to engage with digital learning tools.
Inspired by the success of this program, Mr. Behera aims to expand it to ten more schools within the next six months. His vision is clear: to provide equal learning opportunities for blind students, enabling them to dream and achieve just like their sighted peers.
A Call to Action
Mr. Kirttan Behera’s journey serves as an inspiration to countless individuals, especially those living in the U.S. His story demonstrates how one person’s commitment to giving back can transform lives. There are millions of blind children across the world who need support, and initiatives like this can bridge the gap between their aspirations and opportunities.
Now, more than ever, there is a need for collective action. Those who have found success abroad can make a difference by supporting similar initiatives. Whether through financial contributions, mentorship, or advocacy, every effort counts. Mr. Behera’s legacy is not just about providing digital tools but about instilling hope and opening doors for a brighter future.
Let his story be a call to action — one that inspires others to step forward and empower the visually impaired children of tomorrow.
