Jaidev: A Vision Beyond Sight
At the Blind People’s Association (BPA) in Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, Jaidev is the heart and soul of the “Vision in the Dark” museum. Here, he guides visitors through a unique journey that helps them explore life without sight. Jaidev’s story is one about a warm, humourous, and deeply passionate individual who uses his talents to bring understanding and change to the world around him.
Jaidev’s story begins in Bharuch, where he spent his early years attending a government school for grades 1-4. However, his teachers lacked the training and resources to accommodate his needs. Recognising this, they recommended that he transfer to a specialised school. This transition was far from easy. The nearest school for visually impaired students at the time was in Vadodara. On top of that, he had to repeat grades 1-4 due to the gaps in support and awareness in his previous school. Undeterred, Jaidev completed his studies up to grade 7. It was here, among supportive peers and seniors, that he first heard about the Blind People’s Association (BPA), a place that would later become his karmabhoomi.
Jaidev moved to Ahmedabad for high school, attending grades 8-12. Upon finishing high school, he pursued and obtained his professional certificate and license in physiotherapy assistance at BPA, opening doors to new opportunities. He had all the qualities that made him well-suited for physiotherapy: a strong physique, a precise touch, and unwavering patience. For Jaidev, each session with a patient demanded technical skill as well as an immense amount of focus and adaptability. Despite the challenges, he persevered, helping countless patients and gaining invaluable experience, all while continuing to nurture his passion – music.
It was during these years in Ahmedabad when Jaidev discovered Hindustani music. It wasn’t just a subject he studied; it became a profound source of solace and joy. He began learning the tabla and quickly distinguished himself as a talented musician, earning a place in both the Guinness and Limca Book of Records for his accomplishments. Over the years, he taught himself to play the drums, keyboard, and other instruments used in Garba and orchestral music. Recently, he’s taken up the guitar! “Music has been my anchor,” he shares. “No matter what challenges I faced, I could always find myself in the rhythm and melody.”
Despite his dedication to physiotherapy, Jaidev found himself questioning if it was the path he truly wanted to pursue. Though he diligently helped patients and gained experience, he realised it wasn’t something he saw as a permanent calling. Music teaching wasn’t an option due to government hiring freezes, leaving him in a period of reflection and uncertainty.
In 2015, Jaidev learned about BPA’s “Vision in the Dark” program, an initiative that immerses sighted individuals in complete darkness to help them understand life without sight. Always ready for a new challenge, he joined the program as a guide—and found his true calling.
“Vision in the Dark” is an extraordinary experience. Participants are placed in a completely dark environment and need to navigate and rely on their other senses – primarily touch, kinesthesis and hearing. The hour-long session isn’t just about sensory deprivation – it’s about empathy, awareness, and breaking down stereotypes about blindness.
Over the past decade, Jaidev has guided more than 200,000 people through “Vision in the Dark.” Whether it’s corporate executives, management students, architects, or families trying to understand their visually impaired loved ones, Jaidev customises each session to make it more meaningful for his audience. His passion for teaching and helping people understand shines through in every session. When asked how he manages to tailor each session for his diverse audience, he mentioned how he spends some time daily, researching topics in order to deliver an impactful experience.
One of his most memorable experiences involved guiding a group of underprivileged children\ who were both hearing and speech impaired. Understanding the unique challenges they faced, Jaidev collaborated with his friend and colleague, Kishan, who is a person with hearing impairment to communicate instructions through sign language. Remarkably, Jaidev and Kishan have developed a seamless way of working together despite their respective impairments. Through a mix of lip reading, speech, and a healthy dose of friendship and trust, the two have shown that barriers can be overcome. Their partnership, built over several years, is a testament to teamwork and mutual understanding.
Jaidev also recalls several sessions where participants arrived skeptical, unsure of what to expect. By the end of the hour, they left with a new perspective, vowing to be more supportive and open-minded about people with disabilities. “I help people who are blind in all their other senses,” Jaidev quips, his humour adding a light-hearted touch to deeply
transformative experiences
Jaidev’s goals for the future are as grounded as they are inspiring. He wants to continue exploring his love for music, mastering various instruments, and sharing his talent with the world. At the same time, he remains committed to guiding more people through “Vision in the Dark,” helping them shift their perspectives and fostering greater awareness about the abilities of people with visual impairment.
Jaidev’s message is as simple as it is powerful: “Come and experience complete blindness through ‘Vision in the Dark.’ Understand and support people with visual impairment and learn to value your eyes.” Through his life and work, Jaidev reminds us that abilities, not limitations, define who we are.
About me:
I’m Ananya Anandharaman, an aspiring astrophysicist and a final-year student at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. Beyond my love for all things astro, I enjoy writing, playing music, and dreaming of a future filled with cats and telescopes. I believe storytelling has the power to inspire and connect, whether it’s through science or the incredible stories of everyday people.
My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananya-anandharaman-428184238/
