Gursimran Singh, a remarkable 16-year-old student from Gurugram, is making a profound impact on the lives of the visually impaired with his ground-breaking invention, EyeScribe. This innovative assistive device allows the blind to experience the joy of reading, and Gursimran’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. The concept of EyeScribe was born out of empathy and a strong desire to make a difference. Gursimran’s motivation came from observing the daily struggles of a visually impaired relative, which led him to question, “If we can, why can’t they?” His determination to find a solution and offer a better quality of life to the visually impaired fueled his creativity.

EyeScribe in Action:

EyeScribe is a wearable device equipped with an eight-megapixel camera that captures images, processes them, and converts text into audio output. The process involves optical character recognition, machine learning algorithms for accuracy, and a text-to-speech engine. What sets EyeScribe apart is its ability to provide the blind with a 3D aural environment for creating mental images while reading. While there are numerous braille devices available in the market, EyeScribe takes a unique approach by eliminating the necessity for braille. Leveraging the enhanced hearing abilities of the blind, Gursimran designed EyeScribe to dictate text, enabling users to read content in various languages without relying on braille. This innovation also ensures that visually impaired individuals can stay updated with daily newspapers, breaking free from the limitations of bi-weekly braille publications.

Gursimran encountered several obstacles during EyeScribe’s development. The device initially faced speed issues, which prompted him to reconfigure the process, significantly reducing input-output durations. Additionally, some blind schools were initially hesitant to allow the device on their premises due to concerns about its medical reliability. Gursimran collaborated with doctors and psychologists to validate the device’s safety, addressing their concerns. Gursimran’s journey was made possible with the initial funding from his parents, the ATL grant-in-aid of Rs 20 lakh, and support from NITI Aayog. The device’s success led to Gursimran receiving the National Winner title at the 2017 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards. This recognition provided opportunities for further expansion, and Gursimran’s innovation reached a national platform.

Gursimran aims to refine EyeScribe, making it fully market-ready, and plans to integrate it into the ADIP Scheme under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. He is confident about his journey in the field of assistive technology and biomedical engineering. Gursimran has also launched a non-profit organization called The Code Initiative, with a vision to reach every person in need of such services across India over the next ten years. Gursimran’s parting words are an inspiration to all: “Be curious, be humble, and always try to make your life memorable for others as well as yourself.”

Gursimran Singh’s dedication and innovative spirit have brought a revolutionary change in the lives of the visually impaired. EyeScribe offers hope, independence, and the simple joy of reading, emphasizing the power of technology to make the world a better place for everyone.

Niret Alva is an Indian television producer also Co-founder and chairman of the television production business Miditech. Eighty national and international honours have been given to Miditech for its documentaries, reality programmes, drama series, and children’s programming. He has worked closely and collaboratively with a variety of national and international broadcasters and development organisations, from Star Plus and Sony to BBC World, National Geographic, Discovery, Fox, Turner, UNICEF, UNDP, and Doordarshan. He has a broad and varied background in successfully adapting international formats for Indian television audiences.

Niret has 31 years of expertise in all facets of TV production, direction, and executive producing, including prestigious documentaries, magazine formats, and drama for children. His work life is still centred on pursuing the ideas that thrill and inspire him the most. He maintains that the key to success is developing an original method of doing things that suits one’s individuality. As the creators of the show Indian Idol, they were thrilled to provide individuals a platform to realise their aspirations and showcase their abilities. In order to find the greatest talent possible.

With Miditech, Niret adhere to standards of honesty that are ingrained in their DNA. Today, people, however, do not trust the media and reality programmes as much as they once did. Authenticity, dependability, and truthfulness are mostly absent. The sensation of realism seems to be lost in the middle, and everything looks to be staged.

Rose & Rex is an online children’s play resource that offers curated material and a selection of elegantly designed toys that encourage imaginative play. Allison Klein is the main mastermind behind Rose & Rex.
Allie Klein struggled to find a toymaker she could recommend to parents while working as an elementary school teacher, so she quit launching Rose & Rex in 2016. She curates toys with the help of teachers and childhood development experts, all of which encourage learning via play. The majority of her sales are made online, but she does have a few pop-up stores and school connections.

Rose and Rex is a toy store run by teachers that encourage children to learn through play. They teach individuals about the significance of open-ended play and debunk the myth that learning can only be accomplished by sitting at a desk and filling out worksheets. Imaginative play is a natural tool for young children to develop their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills. Their amazing array of open-ended toys and play suggestions, which includes everything from handmade blocks to eco-friendly puppets, aim youngsters to enhance skill development via play.
On the surface, they appear to be a toy store, but what sets them apart is that they are so much more. They serve as a one-stop-shop for everything related to play-based learning and positive parenting. She and her colleagues want to illustrate why toys and play are important by taking the concept of a toy store, which many people dismiss as frivolous.

Allison, who was recently selected to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list as a pioneer in the e-commerce area, is enthusiastic about ensuring that all children have the opportunity to play and learn via hands-on experiences.