Devnar Foundation was established on 1-11-1991 with Regn.no.1191/91 with four students in a rented room. Within a span of 17 years, the school has grown to the present stature with 350 students, housed in a three storeyed building owned by the Foundation. This phenomenal growth is due to the undoubted ability and unflinching enthusiasm of the founder and his wife, the dedicated staff, many philanthropists and donors. Devnar School is now acclaimed as the best institution for the Visually Challenged in India with the students aspiring to reach lofty heights of achievement, hitherto thought impossible for such children.
Devnar School was founded in 1992 by Dr. A. Saibaba Goud, a leading Ophthalmologist of India who is also the recipient of Dr. B.C. Roy National Award in 2004 for his outstanding services in the field of social medical relief. There is a steady influx of visitors to the school. Politicians and pressmen, beauty queens and bureaucrats, scientists and sportsmen, philanthropists and film stars come and meet the students. Some of them struggle to keep back the tears at first, but after interacting with them, it is not tears of pity they shed, but tears of admiration. Devnar School provides all that is necessary to bring out the best in the students. Their abilities outshine the disability to such an extent that the visitors leave the school humbled by the unconquerable spirit, perseverance and performance of the students. Some of the contributory factors for this phenomenal success are listed here:
OUR FOUNDER AND MANAGING TRUSTEE
“An institution is the lengthened shadow of one man,” said Dr. Emerson. True to this philosophy, the visionary behind Devnar Foundation is Dr. A. Saibaba Goud. He is a crusader against ‘darkness’ and a champion of Community Ophthalmology. He is the first person in India who was awarded Ph.D in Community Ophthalmology. He is the recipient of the following awards:| 1. | President of India National Award for the welfare of people with disabilities 1997 |
| 2. | President of India Award for ‘Best Institution in the Country 2002’ |
| 3. | Rastriya Gaurav Award |
| 4. | K.R.Datta Award |
| 5. | J.S.Mahashabde Award |
| 6. | Duke of Edinburgh Award |
| 7. | Drishti Pradatha Award |
| 8. | E.V.Srinivasan Award |
| 9. | Dr. Agarwal Gold Medal |
| 10. | B.C.Roy National Award 2004 |
| 11. | Vijayashree Award |
| 12. | Padma Shri Award |
He is also President of ‘Help Us Organization for Leprosy Patients’, President of National Society for Prevention of Blindness (N.S.P.B) and member of Indian Red Cross Society (AP).
He works tirelessly for the development of Devnar School for the Blind. The infrastructure and equipments are updated constantly and the strength has increased from 4 in 1991 to 380 in 2009.
He has presented papers at the national and international conferences, published many articles in English and Telugu in leading newspapers and journals. His radio talks and Doordarshan interviews are well received by the audience for their educative and informative value. He has also authored three books, one in English and two in Telugu.
| 1. | The Organ of the sight (in English) |
| 2. | Nayanabhiramam (in Telugu vernacular) |
| 3. | Meeru-Mee Kanulu (book on eye care for neo-literates in Telugu vernacular) |
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Mrs. Jyothi Goud, true to her name, is really the light of the institution, dispelling darkness by her gracious presence and ever vigilant care. She is dynamic and resourceful and her best efforts are spontaneously given to improve every aspect of the Institute. She is a loving and compassionate mother to the students and the guiding force behind the organization. Her unlimited enthusiasm in making the children excel in dance and music is remarkable and praiseworthy. She is the fulcrum of the institute.In 1991, she fully shared Dr. Goud’s enthusiasm for launching the Devnar Foundation for the Blind, though her own children were small at that time. Now, sixteen years later, she realizes with joy that she is destined to be a mother not only to her own children but also to hundreds of children who study and go out of Devnar School.
She is a life member of Indian Red Cross Society AP Branch, National Association for the Blind, and All India Women’s conference.
On December 3rd 2008 (the World Disabled Day) Mrs. A. Jyothi Goud received the National Award from the Vice President of India as Devnar School was adjudged as the best institute for empowerment of the visually challenged.
STAFF
In the life of an institution, the importance of team work and interdependence cannot be underestimated. The Visually Challenged Children have special needs and hence the teachers have multifaceted responsibilities and roles which are neither static nor stationary. This calls for a dynamic approach and a constant renewal of skills. Devnar School has an experienced Principal Mrs. Lily Egbert who sets the pace for academic excellence in the school, a Head Master, Mr. K. Srinivas Reddy, who co-ordinates all educational programmes conducted here and also about 35 teaching staff who give unstinted support to all curricular and co - curricular activities. Most of the teachers are specially trained to teach the Visually Challenged students and the parent-teachers bring a depth of understanding to the teaching process. Highly qualified educationists and professionals who do voluntary service enhance the learning experience of the students. The administrative and non-teaching staff see to the efficient functioning of the institution. The resident wardens take care of the needs of the students and the supporting staff maintains the cleanliness of the premises. Every year two volunteers from U.K teach our students for a period of one year staying on the school premises. After completing one year, they go back to U.K., and pursue their university education. Besides these volunteers, we have had volunteers from Germany, Denmark, USA and Australia. The cultural exchange is beneficial for our students.Please visit the website
http://www.devnarfoundationfortheblind.org/index.html
