Born on 27th June, 1880, Ms. Helen Keller, an American Author and an extraordinary individual who overcame immense challenges to become a symbol of resilience, education and advocacy.
The Central Board of Secondary Education is organizing a webinar on “Ms. Helen Keller: An inspiration for Students” on the occasion of her Birth Anniversary to commemorate her contribution in the field of education for the person with disabilities.
During this webinar, participants will gain a deeper understanding on her struggles, achievements and the profound influence she has had in empowering individual with disabilities.
The details of webinar are as under:
Title: “Ms. Helen Keller: An inspiration for Students”
Date: 27.06.2023 (Tuesday)
Time: 04.00 P.M. to 05.30 P.M.
Mode: Online/Live streaming
Speaker: Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director,
National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities, (Divyangjan) (NIEPMD), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
This programme will be live streamed through Official YouTube Channel of CBSE: YouTube Webinar Link: https://youtube.com/live/jfGrFCNs7vk?feature=share
CBSE has request all the Principals/School Heads, Teachers of its affiliated Schools to attend the live sessions as per the above schedule.
Helen Keller was an exceptional individual who overcame tremendous challenges to become a renowned author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities. She was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, United States. At the age of 19 months, Helen contracted an illness—likely scarlet fever or meningitis—that left her both deaf and blind.
Despite her disabilities, Helen Keller had an indomitable spirit and an insatiable desire to learn. Her breakthrough came in 1887 when Anne Sullivan, a teacher who had experience working with visually impaired individuals, arrived to assist Helen. Anne Sullivan’s teaching method involved tactile sign language, where she would spell words into Helen’s hand, helping her associate the tactile sensations with specific concepts and objects.
Under Anne Sullivan’s guidance, Helen Keller made rapid progress in communication and eventually learned to read Braille. She also learned to write, initially using a special typewriter with oversized keys and later transitioning to a regular typewriter. With these skills, Helen excelled academically and graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College in 1904, becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Helen Keller’s achievements extended beyond academia. She became a prominent advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, fighting for better access to education and employment opportunities. Keller also campaigned for women’s suffrage, labour rights, and various social issues. Her advocacy work took her across the United States and around the world, where she inspired countless individuals with her courage and determination.
In addition to her activism, Helen Keller was a prolific writer. She authored several books, including her autobiography “The Story of My Life,” which detailed her early life and triumph over adversity. Her other notable works include “The World I Live In” and “Out of the Dark.” Through her writings, Keller provided deep insights into her experiences and perspectives, offering a unique glimpse into the world of a deaf-blind individual.
Helen Keller’s life and achievements continue to inspire people globally. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with perseverance, determination, and the right support, individuals can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and make significant contributions to society. Keller’s legacy remains an enduring symbol of resilience, advocacy, and the triumph of the human spirit.
