Light of hope and happiness

THEY MAY never see the glow, but they bring `light' into others' lives. The visually handicapped inmates of the Tamil Nadu Association of the Blind are making designer candles not only to improve the finances of their institution, but also in the hope that it would serve as a source of self-employment and rehabilitation in the years to come.

After a six-month stint in candle manufacturing, about half the 40 inmates of the home for the blind have taken up the activity in right earnest, hoping Christmas and the New Year would bring cheer to their benefactors and their patrons. While regular sizes are made for the year-round market, the present venture is more of a seasonal one.

Mr. C. V. Narayanan, the Association's consultant, says more than care of the differently abled, which is an exacting responsibility, it is rehabilitation that is of greater concern. Rehabilitation would take years and there are not many, who have successfully gone back home without continuing institutional support.

The current drive appears to be his brainchild based on his three-decade experience at the Blind Relief Association, Delhi.

The success of the project would mean placement of, at least some, in their homes. Once a market demand is created, the girls could be provided with raw materials and asked to manufacture candle sticks at home. Collection of finished goods and payment would impose no financial burden for their families as well.

The crimson, pink, green, yellow and white candle sticks have been made in 17 models depicting an X-Mas tree, turret-shaped like minars or bottle-shaped to add variety.

The range includes `buoyant' models which are internationally famous as the floating candles. Priced between Rs.5 and Rs.125, those who create them wait in the hope that the market would brighten up things for them.

S. Shanker

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