Empowering Faith: The Journey of Braille Bibles in Indian Languages
“The LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.” Psalm 146:8
Nearly 25 years ago, the Bible Society of India (BSI) embarked on a remarkable mission, aligning seamlessly with its vision to ensure access to the Bible for the visually impaired. Initially, only select portions of scripture were available, but recognizing the pressing need, BSI established a dedicated department catering to Special Audiences. This initiative, envisioned as a catalyst for transformation, has led to the release of Braille Bibles in numerous Indian languages. Supported by ongoing reader contributions, BSI’s commitment to inclusivity continues to bear fruit.
In its pursuit of this vision, the Bible Society of India has successfully produced Braille Bibles in 22 Indian languages, marking a significant leap towards accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.
An Unveiling of Hope and Inclusivity
On November 14th, 2023, the BSI unveiled Braille Bibles in seven additional languages, namely Ao, Sumi, Angami, Saurashtra, Rabha, Mara, and Biate. This milestone event radiated hope and inclusivity, expanding the reach of transformative biblical verses to new linguistic realms.
Addressing a Critical Need
India is home to approximately 12 million visually impaired individuals, representing one-third of the global blind population. The provision of Braille Bibles in diverse Indian languages addresses this critical need for accessibility and inclusivity.
A Collective Effort
A virtual gathering of 17 auxiliaries, directors, and department heads acknowledge this initiative’s collective passion. Rev. Dr. Kavito G Zhimo, the General Secretary expressed gratitude for the momentous occasion, emphasizing the importance of making the Bible accessible to the Visually challenged communities.
Continued Support and Collaboration
The recently introduced Braille Bibles are set to be dispatched to local churches and language groups, fostering unity and connection within communities. Each language edition represents a unique opportunity for engagement with scripture, facilitating profound transformations in readers’ lives.
Forty-three books comprise one complete Braille Bible. The production cost for each book ranges from Rs 800 to Rs 1000, totalling to Rupees 30-40 thousand for one set of Braille Bibles. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to partners committed to joining hands in production, ensuring Braille Bibles are always distributed without cost to the needy people.
BSI extends heartfelt appreciation to Campus Braille and United Bible Societies for their unwavering support and collaboration. The development of Braille fonts and tables required skill and effort, with Campus Braille playing a pivotal role in bringing this vision to fruition.
Looking Ahead
BSI aims to produce Braille Bibles in five additional languages in 2024 and envisions having Braille editions in 50 languages by the end of 2025. Additionally, a collaborative effort with the United Bible Societiesis underway to explore the creation of a Tactile Bible for the Braille community in India.
A Call for Continued Support
BSI acknowledges the crucial role of the Church and partner agencies in the production of Braille Bibles. The organization humbly seeks ongoing prayers and support from partners and well-wishers to facilitate the distribution of these Bibles, enabling transformative engagement with God’s word.
In Conclusion
The commitment of the Bible Society of India to making the Word accessible to all remains steadfast. Through ongoing reader support and collaborative efforts, BSI continues to illuminate hearts and minds, contributing to the transformation of countless lives across India.
Caleb Martin Hilton
Associate Director – Media and Special Audience
KERALA AUXILIARY
Influence of Audio Bible: Mrs. Jolly John, Ernakulam shares her testimony on receiving an audio – Bible. She says, I am suffering from poor vision since last two years and with utmost difficulty, manage to read at least one verse from Senior Citizen Bible. When the members of BSI Thiruvankulam Branch on their visit gifted me a book, “Words of Comfort”, I have shared this concern to them and requested for prayers. After some days, Mr. Abin Kurian (Joint Secretary, BSI Thiruvankulam Branch) called me and said that an audio-Bible is available, I was excited to obtain it. I am very joyful on receiving Audio Bible, and thankful to Bible Society and its members for providing this precious gift to me. Praise God for this instrument, so that we people can keep in touch with the Word of God through audio-Bible.” She was ib tears of joy, while sharing this experience in the Church during Worship.
Importance of Wall Writings: “Have you read the Bible today”? – the old and famous writing on the top parapet wall of our Bible House speaks much on the influence and importance of Bible reading among the viewers. Or we can say, in the minds of some people, even the identity of the Bible House, Kottayam remains in the above writing. We are sharing below two recent incidents for realizing its Importance. Once, as our Auxiliary Secretary was travelling from Pala to Kottayam near to the General Election Day in his personal car, the police stopped the vehicle for checking, as part of security check in connection with the Election. As he was in civil dress, the police officer asked about identity to Rev. Jacob Antony and he replied satisfactorily. In his mentioning the name of Bible Society Kottayam, the police officer responded with great interest, “Yes, I know the institution with writing, “have you read the Bible today”? In other incident, one of our staff was going to his residence in taxi auto. As he reached his place and the driver while leaving, in the casual talks, the driver shared his concern of the writing being omitted on the building. The driver said that he had saved the phone number of Bible House with this description (coincidentally, it happened on the day, the email being sent to the Central Office for approval). People have shared their personal experience of the influence of this writing in their lives, especially in reading Bible daily. Most of us are familiar with the Bible verse writings on walls, but as this writing is short, the readability and its influence are higher. We are thankful to the General Secretary for approving the unanimous decision of the Auxiliary Committee pertaining to the greater demand from Church/Branch leaders and general-public to rewrite the words, “HAVE YOU READ THE BIBLE TODAY”? (in English and Malayalam). We pray and hope, that this writing continues to touch many lives as they read and meditate daily on the Word of God.
First Annual Meeting – BSI Peechi Branch (Thrissur Region): The first Annual Meeting of BSI Peechi Branch and Bible Exhibition was held at Brethren Christian Church, Pattikadu on 9th April 2024. Rev Jins T Raju (Branch president) presided the meeting. The Auxiliary Secretary gave the key note address. The new office bearers for the forthcoming year were elected. Mr. Thomas M. M (Branch Secretary) and Mr. M. C. George (Regional Co-ordinator) co-ordinated the meeting. Clergies, pastors and members from different churches attended the meeting.
Annual Meeting – BSI Karunagapally Branch (Kollam North Region): The Annual meeting of BSI Karunagapally Branch and Fare-well meeting to the out- going Branch leaders were held at St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Kollaka on Sunday, 21st April 2024. Rev Daniel M Jacob (Branch President) presided the meeting, the Auxiliary Secretary, Rev Jacob Antony Koodathinkel gave the keynote address. The clergies and other leaders graced the occasion with their presence. The Branch officials for the year 2024-2025 were elected. Special mementos were presented to the out-going Branch leaders, Rev Daniel M Jacob and Rev Koshy in recognition of their great leadership. We express our sincere thanks to Rev Daniel M Jacob (Branch President), Mr Varghese John (Branch Secretary), Mr Thomas P G (Treasurer) and other leaders. The Auxiliary Secretary attended the Divine Service at CSI Resurrection Church, Kannetti.
Bible Convention – BSI Neyyattinkara Branch (Trivandrum South Region): BSI Neyyattinkara Branch organised Bible Convention at Thozhukkal C.S.I. Church, Trivandrum from 26th to 28th April 2024. The Auxiliary Secretary attended Worship Service, shared from God’s Word; conducted Bible sale and exhibition. We appreciate the great support of Vicar and Branch President, Rev. Dr. N. Mohanadas, Asst. Vicar, Rev Prashanth Selvamani, Church Committee and the congregation. We express our sincere thanks to Mr. Santhosh Kumar (Regional Co-ordinator Trivandrum South), Mrs. Sherly Prashanth (Branch Secretary), and all other branch leaders for co-ordinating the event.
By Rev Jacob Antony Koodathinkal
BOMBAY AUXILIARY
The Nasik Branch of the Bombay Auxiliary arranged a blessed meeting in St. Andrews CNI Church Nasik on May 4, 2024 with local pastors and lay leaders from diverse church denominations. The Church choir led the worship. Auxiliary Secretary Rev Clement Christian had a time of sharing the vision and mission of the Bible Society of India and challenged and encouraged everyone from Psalm 19. People promised to support the BSI Ministry for the Bible cause every month. The meeting ended with fellowship lunch sponsored by the Nasik Branch. May our God Almighty bless the enthusiasm of the people in reaching out to thousands of people with the Word in and through the ministry of the Bible Society in this part of the land.
By Rev Clement Christian
