Blind Lead Trust (BLT)

Annual Report: Fiscal Year 2024-2025

A Message from the Managing Director

It is with resilience, determination, and a reinforced strategic vision that I present the Annual Report for Blind Lead Trust (BLT) for the fiscal year 2024-2025.

This year presented significant financial headwinds, necessitating a temporary pivot from large-scale project execution. However, we embraced this adversity, recognizing it as an opportunity to focus on what truly ensures long-term impact—our foundation. In the absence of primary project-based funding, we strategically pivoted our focus inward and outward, dedicating our efforts to strengthening our organizational capacity, forging powerful new partnerships, and intensifying our advocacy for the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

We believe that a strong foundation is paramount for sustainable impact. This year was about laying that groundwork. We engaged with academic institutions, government bodies, and potential funders, building the essential relationships that will underpin our future initiatives. Our advocacy efforts brought critical disability rights issues to the forefront of public and political discourse.

My deepest gratitude goes to our dedicated board members, our vital intern teams, and our core partners, especially the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Shillong, whose support was instrumental in a challenging year. While project execution was limited, this year was profoundly shaped by strategic planning, capacity building, and a relentless commitment to our community. The activities detailed in this report are the building blocks for a more impactful and sustainable future for BLT.

We look ahead to 2025-2026 with renewed focus, equipped with stronger partnerships and clearer strategic plans to resume our vital project work.

Sincerely,

Jitendra Dkhar

Managing Director, Blind Lead Trust

Executive Summary

Fiscal Year 2024–2025: A Year of Strategic Resilience and Foundational Investment

The Blind Lead Trust (BLT) successfully navigated significant financial challenges during FY 2024–2025 by strategically shifting focus from large-scale project execution to organizational capacity building, intensive advocacy, and future project groundwork. This resilience ensured BLT emerged with a stronger, more sustainable platform for future impact.

Key Achievements:

Landmark Advocacy Win (NIT Shillong): BLT successfully lobbied for and secured the establishment of a dedicated Centre for Computer Training for Persons with Disabilities within the NIT Shillong compound. This is a crucial step in promoting technological inclusion across Northeast India.
Social Enterprise Launch: The Soap Manufacturing Livelihood Initiative was transitioned into an active social enterprise, securing funding from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) of East Jaintia Hills and initiating inclusive training for two Persons with Disabilities and one sighted staff member.
Organizational Capacity: BLT was selected for the prestigious Roots and Branches Foundation (RBF) Incubation Program, signifying external validation of the Trust’s strategic viability and securing mentorship for future growth.
Technological Innovation: Collaboration with NIT Shillong scholars advanced basic research and documentation for the BLT-owned Braille-X Prototype, showcasing indigenous accessible technology at multiple exhibitions.
Policy Advocacy: The Trust maintained a strong voice on PWD rights, notably challenging a major systemic barrier to financial inclusion caused by the SBI Malki Branch’s refusal to accept thumb impressions as a signature.

Despite financial headwinds, BLT used FY 2024–2025 to solidify its foundation, ensuring the organization is strategically poised to launch its vital project work in the upcoming year (2025–2026).

1. A Year of Strategic Consolidation and Foundational Growth

For the fiscal year April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, Blind Lead Trust (BLT) navigated a period of significant financial constraints. In response, the Trust adopted a strategic focus on foundational activities designed to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. The core objectives for the year were: Capacity Building, Strategic Partnerships, Advocacy & Awareness, and Project Groundwork.

This report outlines the key activities undertaken in pursuit of these objectives.

2. Advocacy and Public Awareness

BLT remained a vocal advocate for the PWD community, ensuring their concerns were heard by policymakers, the public, and the media.

Political & Policy Engagement

Political Engagement (April 2024): During the Lok Sabha elections, Managing Director Jitendra Dkhar highlighted the systemic neglect of PWD issues by political parties in an interview with news reporter U Nongsain Hima. He stressed the need for concrete action beyond existing small-scale schemes and advocated for the full implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act 2016, particularly concerning accessible education and healthcare.
Financial Inclusion Advocacy (July 2024): BLT held a press conference at the Shillong Press Club to publicly challenge the systemic barrier created by the SBI Malki Branch’s refusal to accept thumb impressions as a valid signature for visually impaired individuals. This action directly addressed a critical issue of financial inclusion and independence in the rural community.
Community Recognition (July 2024): In a gesture of appreciation, BLT felicitated Mr. Sanbor Shullai, MLA of South Shillong, for his consistent and inclusive support for all constituents, including PWDs.

Community & Media Outreach

Media Outreach (July 2024): Mr. Dkhar was interviewed by the YouTube channel “Mon-Vlogs,” providing an opportunity to share the story and mission of BLT with a wider digital audience.
World Disability Day (December 2024): BLT collaborated with NIT Shillong and the National Career Service Centre for Differently Abled (NCSCDA) to commemorate World Disability Day. The event, featuring speeches, assistive aid distribution, and cultural performances, was a powerful platform for celebrating the abilities of PWDs and promoting inclusion.

3. Strategic Partnerships and Project Development

A key focus of the year was laying the groundwork for future projects through strategic collaborations and preparatory activities.

3.1. Advocating for Technological Access at NIT Shillong

A major strategic success was achieved by securing a vital opportunity for skill development for PWDs at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Shillong. The Blind Lead Trust successfully spearheaded the initiative to utilize NIT’s facilities to launch a computer training program.

May 2024: Initial inspection visits to the NIT computer lab were conducted to assess its suitability for the proposed program.
May 21, 2024: BLT Board Members attended the inauguration of the new computer lab at NIT, experiencing firsthand the assistive technologies, including Braille keyboards and screen readers. The event was covered by the Shillong Times, amplifying the message of technological empowerment.
June 11, 2024: Following persistent advocacy and successful negotiations by BLT, the Trust confirmed the revival of the computer training program. NIT Shillong agreed to provide its lab facilities free of charge for a three-month course for an initial cohort of ten trainees.
November 29, 2024: At the invitation of NIT, BLT representatives and students showcased the proficiency of visually impaired individuals using computer technology to visiting Ministry officials, demonstrating the viability and importance of such training.

A Landmark Achievement for Inclusion in Northeast India:

The Blind Lead Trust successfully lobbied for and secured the establishment of a dedicated Centre for Computer Training for Persons with Disabilities within the NIT Shillong compound. This landmark initiative marks the creation of a key inclusive resource in Northeast India, providing essential training and opportunities previously unavailable in the region. This achievement is the direct result of BLT’s persistent advocacy and commitment to securing equitable access to education. The Trust aims to use this successful initiative as a national model, promoting the principle that all universities and institutes must become inclusive, providing equitable spaces for PWDs in education, employment, and livelihood development, ultimately enabling them to live independently. This breakthrough with NIT Meghalaya is the realization of a major strategic goal, and we look forward to the Institute expanding this commitment to future opportunities in employment and further education.

🌟 Advancing Innovation: The Braille-X Prototype Research

The year also saw BLT engage with NIT Shillong on a research-focused initiative to advance accessible technology.

BLT collaborated with NIT Shillong to conduct basic research and documentation on the Braille-X Prototype, an innovation owned by the Blind Lead Trust and founded by our late founder, Dr. Theodore Moallem. The Braille-X Prototype is designed to enhance accessibility for visually impaired users by enabling them to take small, portable Braille notes. Through the support of NIT’s scholar students, BLT successfully prepared essential documentation and descriptive materials for the prototype. Furthermore, to raise awareness and attract interest in this innovation, the Blind Lead Trust proactively showcased the Braille-X Prototype at multiple exhibition platforms both within the state of Meghalaya and at events outside the state, demonstrating the potential of indigenous accessible technology solutions.

3.2. Launching the Social Enterprise: Soap Manufacturing Unit

The soap manufacturing initiative was strategically established not just as a project, but as a social enterprise designed to create a sustainable revenue stream for the organization and generate vital employment opportunities for young Persons with Disabilities. This year saw the successful transition from planning to establishing a small, functional manufacturing setup.

Project Initiation and Capacity Building:

The groundwork began by selecting a key Trustee to lead the initiative. BLT sponsored this individual for specialized soap-making training at the Colks Company, a program funded by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS).
This initial capacity building allowed the organization to establish a small manufacturing unit for soap production, providing a practical activity base for visually impaired individuals.

Securing Resources and Expansion:

Significant progress was achieved with the successful acquisition of project funding from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) of East Jaintia Hills.
Following the receipt of the DMF funds, BLT was able to expand its human resource capacity by training an additional two staff members who are now integral to the project’s operation. Crucially, the organization sponsored the training for a total of three individuals, including two Persons with Disabilities and one sighted staff member, ensuring inclusive skill development within the project team.

Preparatory and Operational Milestones:

December 2024: An initial visit to Khliehriat was made to submit the project proposal and conduct preliminary site surveys.
January 14, 2025: A formal site visit was conducted. Following a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, the District Food & Civil Supplies (DFM) building in Dingshynrum village was identified as a potential rent-free location for the unit.
January 18, 2025: A follow-up visit was made to evaluate approximately 13 properties, resulting in the selection of a suitable house for both the manufacturing unit and a BLT office.

Current Status and Impact:

The project is currently slowly progressing under the continuous monitoring of the Blind Lead Trust as it scales up its production and operational capacity. This social enterprise is a tangible realization of BLT’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and securing a degree of financial independence for the organization.

Funding and Administrative Outreach (Non-Soap Specific):

July 2024: Meetings were held with a chartered accountant to discuss financial compliance and the CSR-1 certificate.
November 2024: A proposal from HopeMade was submitted to the KHADC, and a separate proposal was delivered to the Assistant Commissioner at the CPWD.
February 2025: A productive two-day visit was hosted for the Roots and Branches Foundation (RBF). The RBF team met with stakeholders, reviewed BLT’s work, and provided critical feedback. While immediate funding for the computer project was deferred pending the development of a system policy, RBF pledged to raise ₹400,000 to support BLT’s operational costs and advised on steps for future funding eligibility.

4. Organizational and Capacity Building

Strengthening our human resources and internal systems was vital.

🏆 Key Organizational Achievements

Grant Success: RBF Incubation Program. A major strategic step toward long-term sustainability was taken when the Blind Lead Trust successfully secured a place in the Incubation Program under the Roots and Branches Foundation (RBF), Guwahati. This successful application signifies RBF’s belief in BLT’s potential for scalable impact and provides the Trust with the high-level administrative, strategic, and mentorship support necessary for future growth.

Capacity Building and Strategic Pivot: The organization invested in advanced skill development by successfully sponsoring the Secretary, a blind woman, for a comprehensive six-month computer course at the prestigious Mitra Jyothi Computer Training Centre in Bangalore. This initiative was originally aimed at creating an in-house expert to lead a future training center in Shillong for PWDs across Northeast India. However, due to external circumstances, including the establishment of a similar training mission by another NGO, BLT strategically redirected this capacity. This vital training was made possible through the generous personal sponsorship of the founder of the Colks Company, demonstrating dedicated private sector support for the mission of the Blind Lead Trust.

Intern & Human Resources Support

April 2024: one student from Don Bosco University Guwahati, joined as an intern. He assisted with fundraising initiatives, document management, and creating Braille labels for office files.
January 2025: Three Master of Social Work (MSW) students from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University completed a nine-day internship, during which they designed and executed a poster campaign for the soap manufacturing project.
February 2025: Four MSW students from the Central University of Tamil Nadu began a one-month internship, immediately contributing by developing a draft computer training syllabus for visually impaired individuals.

5. Future Outlook (2025-2026)

Building on the foundational work of 2024-2025, Blind Lead Trust is poised to move from strategic planning to direct execution. We look ahead with renewed energy, prioritizing the following key initiatives for the upcoming year:

Launch of Computer Training Program: In collaboration with NIT Shillong, we will launch the first cohort of the free, three-month computer training program for visually impaired individuals, leveraging the access secured through our advocacy.
Scale-up of Soap Manufacturing Unit: We will proceed with securing the site in Khliehriat and commencing the scale-up of the soap manufacturing social enterprise, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and furthering organizational independence.
Policy Development & Fundraising: A primary focus will be on developing the required system policies and completing all documentation to re-apply for project funding from RBF and other potential donors. We will also leverage the strategic guidance provided by the RBF Incubation Program.
Strengthening Advocacy: We will continue our advocacy efforts to ensure the full implementation of the RPWD Act 2016 and to address systemic barriers faced by the PWD community in Meghalaya.

Conclusion

The Fiscal Year 2024–2025 proved to be a defining period for the Blind Lead Trust. Rather than allowing financial constraints to stall the mission, BLT strategically utilized the time to reinforce its structural integrity, organizational capacity, and strategic relevance. The results—from securing the RBF Incubation Grant and launching a dynamic social enterprise to achieving a landmark advocacy victory with NIT Shillong—demonstrate the Trust’s deep commitment to building a sustainable and impactful future.

By prioritizing foundational elements, including policy engagement, capacity building, and key relationship development, BLT has successfully transitioned from a period of financial constraint to one of strategic readiness. The groundwork laid in the areas of computer training, accessible technology research, and livelihood development ensures that BLT is equipped with the resources, partnerships, and clarity of purpose needed to achieve its core objectives.

The Blind Lead Trust looks forward to 2025–2026 with confidence, prepared to execute the planned programs and continue championing the rights and opportunities for Persons with Disabilities across the Northeast and beyond.