PANAJI
A person who is visually impaired faces numerous challenges. Resha Anand Vernekar was born with her eyes closed. Unlike some others whose vision diminished as they aged, Resha’s case was different. Her parents immediately realised that their child could not and would not see. Initially, it came as a shock to them, but eventually, they accepted the challenge and decided to be the light in Resha’s life.
The Margao girl is currently teaching at the National Association for the Blind (NAB), Goa, in St Cruz since last March. “I teach computers and music to visually impaired students,” shares Resha, who has had a musical inclination from a very young age. Recognising this talent, her parents enrolled her in musical classes where she was trained in singing and passed the Visharad exam.
When she was a child, Resha thought she was the only person with a visual impairment issue. No school accepted her as a full-fledged student, so she was homeschooled. Using plastic alphabets, her mother taught her to recognise the shape of the letters. Resha also learnt Braille when her aunt gifted her a catalogue of the script.
Recognising her musical aptitude, her parents enrolled her in vocal classes when she was 15. Life took a U-turn when she was performing at the NAB. She was encouraged to attend school and study. Until then, she had been introduced to the school syllabus but could not write. Her siblings read aloud to her, and Resha learned by listening. The teachers at NAB, Josefine D’Souza and Mahadev Sawant, guided her.
Resha realised that only listening to lessons wouldn’t be enough; learning computer skills would enable her to write using a screen reader. She attended computer classes, gained access to audiobooks, took a writer to answer the SSC exam and passed with 75% marks. She completed her 12th through NIOS with Home Science subjects, achieving 83% marks. Smartphone applications helped her to read books, and talking apps on her phone assisted her in reading messages. After completing the computer course, NAB Goa sent her to Enable India, Bengaluru, for teaching training. Later, she was appointed as a teacher at NAB Goa where she continues to work while also focusing on completing her graduation.
Resha’s music training continued with Guru Subhash Prabhudesai, who encouraged her to start conducting music classes at her home once her training was complete, even giving her his own harmonium. Thus, long before she officially became a computer and music teacher at NAB, Resha was already teaching music to young minds. “Teaching music gives me immense joy. As a classical singer, I teach ‘gayan’ (vocal music) to my students. I have also learned the basics of the harmonium, which comes in handy while teaching them sur, taal and ragas,” shares Resha, who has passed the Visharad exam in music from Gandharv Mahavidyalay.
Resha performs on stage across Goa and recalls how she got an opportunity to sing at the Samrat Sangit Sitara’s programme for Sur Nava Dhyas Nava with Mahesh Kale and Avadhut Gupte when they shot it in Goa. “I got the opportunity through ex-Fatorda MLA Damu Naik. He wrote a song and asked me to sing it, which I did,” she adds.
Some time ago, Resha had a group that used to organise mehfils and music programmes. However, the group has disbanded now as she is busy with her job and living in the NAB hostel.
At 30, Resha still faces challenging situations. She shares, “Singing is the best solution and solace for someone who cannot see. Let them learn various arts. Give them job opportunities. Do not demoralise them. They should be given jobs depending on their talents and abilities, without being judgemental. Everyone has some talent and is good at something. Once that is found out, the person can easily be accommodated in society.”
Resha’s parents are happy that she is employed and feel proud of her. Resha recalls how her mother supported and guided her at every step. “She trained me, taught me, and is responsible for what I am today. My mother is my backbone,” exclaims Resha, who recently attended Enable India’s annual meeting of trainers in Bengaluru.
“I completed a two-month training at Enable India’s course where we were taught mobility skills. It helped me a lot to move or travel independently,” says Resha, who is all set to be a torchbearer and guide others like her to excel, by enabling and equipping herself with various skills.
