A 41-year-old man living with visual impairment has taken the bold step to set up moral value education for children (Baal Vikash) in an effort to save the Hindi language from dying out.

Amit Kumar, who is 85 per cent blind, chose to make use of his skills and knowledge instead of resting at home.

After graduating from Fulton College he worked at Fiji Revenue and Customs Service for 15 years because there was no teacher vacancy during that time.

Challenges

In 2019 when told by the doctors about his eye sight problem he had to resign from work as a tax officer. This was because he could not force himself to do computer work.

While unemployed he started his career as a singer and set up a music group by the name Amit Kumar Band staging live music in numerous functions such as weddings and birthdays.

Concerns on young generation

“During these past few years I have seen our younger generation losing interest in learning about their language, culture, tradition and arts,” said the eldest of three siblings.

“It is important to save what has been passed down from generations to generations so that we can live in peace and respect each other.”

Baal Vikash

This Saturday, Mr Kumar will be opening Baal Vikash for students above the age of 10 at Tuatua Gayatri Temple, Labasa.

He is a former student of Labasa College and is originally from Soisoi, Labasa.

He said four teachers would accompany him to hold two sessions starting from 9:30am, free of charge.

Students will be taught about Hindi, Ramayan, music and moral education.

“I would like to thank my supportive wife and family for joining my passion to save Hindi language, culture and tradition,” he said.

“Although I am not living a normal life, I am grateful to God for blessing me with so much talent to share.”

He thanked sponsor Drive Smart Pte Limited director Vinesh Prakash for his support to make this possible.

Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj