I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and that my disability has helped me develop inner strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of life.
Dr. Kiran
Assistant Professor
Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology
Coordinator
Centre for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Punjabi University, Patiala Punjab (India)
Mobile. No. : +91 78884-28794
Email : kiransociology@gmail.com
AWARDS AND HONORS:
“Lost Eye Sight, Not Vision”
First Visually Impaired Female holding Ph.D. Degree in Sociology Punjab”
“First Visually Impaired Assistant Professor in the Punjabi University, Patiala (Punjab)”and many other awards.
MEMBERSHIP :
Member of the State Advisory Board on Disability since 2018.
Life Member, North West Indian Sociological Society (NWISA)
Member of The Governing Board of The Vocational Rehabilitation Training Centre, Ludhiana (Punjab)
Member of New Empowerment of Women 2019.
Member of the State Research Committee for Persons with Disabilities Since 2023.
Acting as a Resource Person in various programs organized by the Government of India to create awareness and change the people’s attitude.
Organizing various seminars and awareness-generating campaigns in collaboration with other departments.
You are highly educated and hold many qualifications. Our readers would like to know more about your educational achievements.
I began my academic journey with a B.Sc. in Nursing from Christian Medical College, Ludhiana. Despite losing my eyesight due to brain fever and meningitis, I didn’t give up on education. I learned Braille, mobility, and other essential skills at the VRTC in Ludhiana. I then pursued a course in English Braille Stenography and eventually joined the Institute for the Blind in Chandigarh as a Work Experience Teacher. I later completed my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Sociology, qualified UGC NET, and earned a PhD with a thesis on “Perception of Visually Impaired Persons about the Social Support Systems” from Punjab University, Chandigarh. I am proud to be the first visually impaired woman with a Ph.D. in Sociology from Punjab and the first visually impaired Assistant Professor at Punjabi University, Patiala.
What are the day-to-day challenges for you as a visually impaired person?
As a visually impaired person, I face several day-to-day challenges. Navigating physical spaces independently requires constant awareness and the use of assistive technologies. Accessing academic and research materials often involves converting them into Braille or audio formats. Additionally, I rely on screen reading software for digital content and sometimes face difficulties with websites that are not accessibility-friendly. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my work and continuously find ways to overcome these obstacles.
What are the basic problems you see in visually impaired women? How can they better deal with disability issues?
Visually impaired women often face multiple challenges, including societal stigma, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and insufficient support systems. They may also encounter difficulties in mobility and independence. To better deal with these issues, it is crucial to provide them with proper education and vocational training, increase public awareness and empathy towards their abilities, and ensure they have access to assistive technologies. Building a supportive community and fostering self-confidence are also essential.
Strong determination, self-confidence and social support are the important factors in one’s life to become successful in life.
We would like to know about your field of specialization/discipline.
My field of specialization is Sociology, with a focus on the issues faced by visually impaired individuals and the social support systems available to them. My research interests include inclusive education, the problems faced by visually impaired women, and the employment patterns among visually impaired persons in Punjab. I am also deeply involved in studying the present status, achievements, and support services available to persons with disabilities.
What are your responsibilities as a mentor and guide to the visually impaired students of M.Phil. and Ph.D.? What are your achievements as a mentor?
As a mentor and guide, I provide academic and emotional support to my visually impaired students, helping them navigate their research and studies. I assist them in accessing research materials, developing their theses, and preparing for their examinations. My achievements include guiding 5 students to complete a PhD on “on wide range of topics or issues faced by persons with disabilities in my state, helping 2 students submit their theses and overseeing the research of five PhD candidates and several M.Phil. students. Many of my students have successfully completed their degrees and made significant contributions to the field.
What are your expectations from the Social Justice and Empowerment department (Govt. of India) for a better future and employment for visually impaired persons?
I expect the Social Justice and Empowerment department to implement policies that ensure equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This includes providing accessible education and vocational training, creating inclusive workplaces, and offering financial support and incentives for employers to hire persons with disabilities. Additionally, increasing public awareness and promoting the use of assistive technologies can significantly improve the quality of life and employment prospects for persons with disabilities.
How can JAWS Software help the visually impaired persons?
JAWS (Job Access with Speech) software is a screen reader that enables visually impaired individuals to access and interact with digital content. It reads out the text on the screen, allowing users to navigate websites, use software applications, and create documents independently. This software is crucial for visually impaired persons in both academic and professional settings as it enhances their ability to perform tasks that require computer use, thus improving their productivity and independence.
Do you connect with the internet and other digital applications for your teaching work?
Yes, I regularly use the internet and digital applications for my teaching work. I access academic journals, research articles, and other educational resources online. I also use email, virtual meeting platforms, and learning management systems to communicate with students, conduct classes, and share study materials. These digital tools are integral to my teaching and research activities.
What are the must-have qualities one must possess to be a successful academician with a visual disability?
To be a successful academician with a visual disability, one must possess resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic. Adaptability and the willingness to learn and use assistive technologies are also crucial. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are important for teaching and research. Additionally, having a supportive network of colleagues, friends, and family can provide the necessary encouragement and assistance.
What is the significance of spirituality in one’s life? How can spirituality affect the course of life?
Spirituality can provide a sense of purpose, inner peace, and resilience, especially during challenging times. It can help individuals find meaning in their experiences, maintain a positive outlook, and stay motivated. Spirituality often fosters a sense of connection with a higher power and with others, which can be a source of comfort and strength. In my life, spirituality has helped me stay hopeful and focused on my goals, despite the obstacles I have faced.” Tera Bhana Meetha Lage” gave me strength to accept my disability and come out from the world of darkness. Secondly, I strongly believe that God has always have some planning in our life and eventually circumstances shape our life to serve his purpose. Loss of eye sight, turned my life in the field of disability to serve this community. I accepted my disability as a “Blessing in Disguise”
How do you manage professional work and personal responsibilities?
I manage my professional work and personal responsibilities through effective time management, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support when needed. I use assistive technologies to enhance my efficiency and stay organized. Additionally, having a supportive family and a collaborative work environment helps me balance my responsibilities and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What are your compliments for your life partner?
My life partner has been an incredible source of support and encouragement. His understanding, patience, and unwavering belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my personal and professional achievements. I am grateful for his companionship and the strength he provides me in navigating life’s challenges.
Who inspired you the most in your life?
I have been inspired by many individuals throughout my life. My family, especially my parents and siblings have been a constant source of strength and motivation. Additionally, the Director of VRTC, Ludhiana, Mrs. Sara Johnson, and other visually impaired individuals I met during my rehabilitation, have inspired me with their resilience and determination. Their support and encouragement have played a significant role in shaping my journey.
Do you ever question or complain to the Almighty for your disability?
While losing my eyesight was a significant challenge, I have never questioned or complained to the Almighty. Instead, I have chosen to focus on the opportunities and strengths that have come from this experience. I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and that my disability has helped me develop inner strength, resilience, and a deeper understanding of life.
What is your life purpose?
My life purpose is to empower persons with disability in general and visually impaired individuals in particular through education, mentorship, and advocacy. I aim to break down barriers and create inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. By sharing my story and experiences, I hope to inspire others to overcome their challenges and pursue their dreams with determination and confidence.
Along with my job of teaching in Sociology, I am also appointed as Co-ordinator of Centre for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities since 2021. This centre is established with my own efforts. I proposed to the Punjab Government regarding the need of this centre in the institutions of higher education. After my great hardships, Punjab Government established this centre with grant of Rs. 55, 60000. Students will be given training of assistive devices and software. Some of the special courses will be started in the near future to develop of human resources and special educators. The broad aim of this centre is to serve the students with disabilities to pursue higher education, promote research and organize seminars on the existing legislation like Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act-2016 (RPWD-2016). It is crucial to change people’s perceptions of the limitations and abilities of persons with disabilities. Various special days like International Disability Day, International Braille Day and Sign Language Day are celebrated to generate awareness among the society.
My husband name is Sr. Rajinder Singh. Harsheen Kaur who is 15 years is my daughter and Abhinav Raj Singh who is 9 years old is my son. All are my source of strength and motivate me to move ahead in life.
