Calicut University has made a remarkable contribution towards the cause of the visually challenged by setting up a garden exclusively for them.
Comprising all aromatic plants, including herbs, spices and vegetables, the garden has been set up by a team led by renowned taxonomist Sabu Mamiyil. “It’s been a dream come true for us,” said Prof. Sabu, strutting proudly along the pathways set up for the visually impaired.
As many as 65 plants have been placed in the garden, with their scientific and common names and other descriptions given in Braille and audio. By touching the Braille plate with an audio pen, the visually impaired persons can listen to the descriptions about the plant.
“The smell and taste of the plant are indeed above all these descriptions,” Prof. Sabu said after offering a piece of sweet flag (Acorus calamus or vayambu).
Aromatic plants such as Arutha (Ruta graveolens), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Basil, Mint or Pudina, Stevia or sweet leaf and Indian hog plum or papanasini have taken a prominent position in the garden.
The garden has been constructed in such a way as to help a visually impaired person to do everything on his own in it. The pathways have been made with special indications at junctions to help the visually impaired to understand. Prof. Sabu said people from all institutions, including schools, could come there and learn about the plants. Queries had started to come from schools even before the park was opened.
Vice Chancellor K. Mohammed Basheer said the park would go a long way in providing assistive technology for education. Dr. Basheer said it was an asset of pride for the university.
At present, the National Botanical Research Institute at Lucknow has a garden for the visually impaired. “But the one we have set up is much bigger,” said Prof. Sabu.
