Aizawl, May 6: The Silver Jubilee of the Samaritan Association for the Blind’s Special Blind School was celebrated on Wednesday at M. Suaka Hall, Durtlang Presbyterian Church, with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma as Chief Guest and PWD Minister and local MLA Vanlalhlana as Guest of Honour.
In his address, the Chief Minister praised the students for their perseverance in pursuing education despite physical challenges, describing their determination as a source of inspiration. He emphasized the importance of mental well-being, remarking that a healthy mind can turn difficulties into opportunities. Lalduhoma noted that while many in Mizoram may not fully recognize the school’s significance, for visually impaired children its value is immeasurable.
He recalled that before the school’s establishment, Mizoram had no institution dedicated to educating the visually impaired. The Samaritan Association for the Blind worked persistently to create the school, securing government support and offering hope to children who had previously been deprived of proper education. Over the years, many successful individuals have emerged from its classrooms.
The Chief Minister highlighted government initiatives, including granting Adhoc status, attaching teachers, and considering provincialization of the middle section. He suggested that adopting a Public-Private Partnership model could further strengthen the institution. He also announced ₹50 lakh earmarked for constructing a separate girls’ hostel, as boys and girls are currently housed in the same building. He encouraged students and school authorities to communicate their needs directly to the government, assuring continued support.
Lalduhoma congratulated the students for their resilience, stressed the importance of digital literacy, and reminded them that they are created with purpose and calling. He expressed confidence that they too would succeed, just as many alumni have before them.
During the programme, R.K. Vanlalringa, Executive Secretary of the Samaritan Association for the Blind, presented a report. The Association was established in 1990, and the Special Blind School began in May 2001 with 16 students. Since then, it has consistently maintained around 30 students annually, with this year’s enrolment reaching 35, including children from Tripura, Manipur, Assam, and Myanmar.
The school offers education from Primary to High School level and has achieved a 100% pass rate in HSLC examinations for 17 consecutive years. Twenty-two alumni are now employed in government service. The government continues to support the school with textbooks and teachers, while students benefit from sponsorships by individuals, organizations, and churches. Lalduhoma himself sponsors three students.
Expressing gratitude to the Samaritan Association for the Blind, the Chief Minister lauded the institution for bringing recognition to Mizoram beyond the state and assured that the government would extend every possible support to sustain its mission.
