Visually impaired artists publish first album

Their disability did not come in the way of their ambition to achieve prominence in music field.
Fifteen visually impaired persons joined hands to bring out a Tamil music album, `Irai Vaasam', said to be a first of its kind effort in the city.

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Commissioner T. Pitchandi launched the devotional music album here on Sunday. Music director Gangai Amaran received the first copy.

"Dedicated efforts"

Recalling the hard work that went into the album, president of the All India Louis Braille Association of the Blind S. Murugesan said their dedicated efforts over two months paid rich dividends with the launch of the album.

Mr. Murugesan, who is also the music composer and lyricist of the album, said the composition was done under different situations. One song was composed during a train journey and another after a temple visit, he added.

He appealed to the government to provide land for setting up a recording studio for the visually impaired artistes.

Mr. Pitchandi said such efforts of visually challenged persons must be encouraged. The demands of the association would be taken up with the officials concerned.

Tamil poetry book

He also released a Tamil poetry book, `Agalveli', authored by Mr. Murugesan.

Proprietor of Kannadasan Pathipagam Gandhi Kannadasan said books of lyricist Kannadasan and Tamil poet Bharathiyar would soon be published in braille form and distributed free to associations and schools for the visually challenged.

Vishranthi Charitable Trust Chairperson Savithri Vaithi participated.

The All India Louis Braille Association of the Blind plans to bring out more such music albums.