‘Walk in Their Shoes’: Bengaluru Blind Walk Raises Awareness of Visual Impairment

Bengaluru,11 October 2026: Around 300 people took part in the World Blind Walk 2026 in Bengaluru on 8 October, marking World Sight Day with a call for greater awareness, accessibility and inclusion for people living with visual impairment.

300 Participants Walk in Solidarity

Organised by Project Vision in partnership with OneSight, the EssilorLuxottica Foundation and St. Claret College, the walk took place in front of Vidhana Soudha to express solidarity with the estimated 40 million visually challenged people worldwide. The organisers also highlighted that India has around 15 million blind people.

Led by Sibu George, the event brought together OneSight staff, students of St. Claret College, Project Vision staff and a team from Sumanahalli Society represented by Fr. Tomy.

Experiencing the Challenges of Blindness

Mr. Dharmaprasad Rai of OneSight delivered the welcome address. Dignitaries addressing the gathering included Mr. Venu Ambati, President – Greater India, EssilorLuxottica; Dr. Vivek Dorai, Joint Director – Ophthalmology, Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. Krishnaprasad Kudlu, Chairman of the Government of Karnataka’s Vision Committee; and Mr. Shivanand Mangalore, Sub-Inspector at Vidhana Soudha Police.

They emphasised the importance of eye health, empathy and inclusion.

Participants walked blindfolded to experience some of the difficulties faced by people navigating their surroundings without sight. One memorable moment came after the flag-off, when Mr. Shivanand Mangalore blindfolded himself and walked the entire route. He later shared a message highlighting the everyday challenges faced by people with visual impairment.

Around 15 visually challenged people also participated. Good-quality white canes were presented to support their mobility and independence. The group was organised and led by Mr. Anjinappa.

From Awareness to Meaningful Action

The participation of partner organisations, students, volunteers and guests reinforced the message that inclusion requires collective responsibility. Project Vision said the initiative seeks to promote awareness of visual impairment, advocate for accessible public spaces and uphold the dignity, independence and equal rights of people with disabilities.

Its message was simple: “Walk in their shoes. See the world differently.”

A Wider Mission to Restore Sight

Project Vision has organised BlindWalks since 2014, conducting more than 1,000 walks across six countries. According to the organisation, more than five lakh people have pledged to donate their eyes.

The organisation also reports collecting corneas from 400 people, enabling 800 people to receive sight, and conducting 12,000 free cataract operations.

Those seeking assistance can contact Sibu George on +91 94480 71973.

The Bengaluru walk served as a reminder that building a more inclusive society begins with understanding the experiences of others—and turning that understanding into action.

By Catholic Connect Reporter